whimsical

[ hwim-zi-kuhl, wim- ]

adjective

1. given to whimsy or fanciful notions; capricious:

   a pixyish, whimsical fellow.

2. of the nature of or proceeding from whimsy, as thoughts or actions:

   Her writing showed whimsical notions of human behavior.

3. erratic; unpredictable:

   He was too whimsical with regard to his work.

whimsical

/ ˌwɪmzɪˈkælɪtɪ; ˈwɪmzɪkəl /

adjective

1. spontaneously fanciful or playful
2. given to whims; capricious
3. quaint, unusual, or fantastic

Derived Forms

• ˈwhimsicalness, noun
• whimsicality, noun
• ˈwhimsically, adverb

Other Words From

• whimsi·cal·ly adverb
• un·whimsi·cal adjective
• un·whimsi·cal·ly adverb
• un·whimsi·cal·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of whimsical¹

First recorded in 1645–55; whims(y) + -ical

Example Sentences

The advert, released on Thursday, is a whimsical journey through one woman's memories as she tries to find the perfect Christmas gift for her sister.

From BBC

It also makes space for immersive theater — see the whimsical investigative adventure that is “The Apple Avenue Detective Agency” — and even games that turn barcode scanners into controllers, such as “Wizard’s Warehouse: The Magick of Retail.”

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s playful and whimsical — perfectly capturing the cozy, festive vibe of the show,” Davidson says.

From Los Angeles Times

Opened in February, the Century City Pop Mart is a maximalist shrine of whimsical characters such as Skull Panda and Dimoo and their many, many related products: vinyl plush dolls in all sizes, action figures, keychains, stationery, purses and tote bags, cups, hair clips, smartphone and earphone cases, lamps and night lights.

From Los Angeles Times

Inside a 2,400-square-foot space at the mall is Meet Me in the Dirt, a whimsical plant shop that hosts events meant to generate the positive effects that being exposed to greenery and playing in soil can have on your mental health.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amusing
• comical
• droll
• eccentric
• funny
• mischievous
• odd
• unusual
• weird