whisk

[ wisk, hwisk ]

verb (used with object)

1. to move with a rapid, sweeping stroke:

   She whisked everything off the table with her arm.

2. to sweep (dust, crumbs, etc., or a surface) with a whisk broom, brush, or the like.
3. to draw, snatch, carry, etc., lightly and rapidly:

   He whisked the money into his pocket.

4. to whip (eggs, cream, etc.) to a froth with a whisk or beating instrument.

verb (used without object)

1. to sweep, pass, or go lightly and rapidly.

noun

1. an act of whisking.
2. a rapid, sweeping stroke; light, rapid movement.
3. whisk broom.
4. a small bunch of grass, straw, hair, or the like, especially for use in brushing.
5. an implement, usually a bunch of wire loops held together in a handle, for beating or whipping eggs, cream, etc.

whisk

/ wɪsk /

verb

1. tr; often foll by away or off to brush, sweep, or wipe off lightly
2. tr to move, carry, etc, with a light or rapid sweeping motion

   the taxi whisked us to the airport

3. intr to move, go, etc, quickly and nimbly

   to whisk downstairs for a drink

4. tr to whip (eggs, cream, etc) to a froth

noun

1. the act of whisking
2. a light rapid sweeping movement or stroke
3. a utensil, often incorporating a coil of wires, for whipping eggs, etc
4. a small brush or broom
5. a small bunch or bundle, as of grass, straw, etc

Other Words From

• un·whisked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of whisk¹

1325–75; (noun) Middle English ( Scots ) wysk rapid sweeping movement; (v.) earlier Scots wisk, quhisk < Scandinavian; compare Old Norse, Norwegian visk wisp, Swedish viska besom, wisp, to whisk (off ), Danish viske to wipe (compare Old High German wisken to wipe, wisc wisp of hay); for development of wh whip

Word History and Origins

Origin of whisk¹

C14: from Old Norse visk wisp; related to Middle Dutch wisch, Old High German wisc

Example Sentences

Flanked by Secret Service agents, the bloodied former president pumped his fist and said “fight” three times before being whisked away.

From Los Angeles Times

He arrived early and whisked me off to the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino.

From Los Angeles Times

In the port of Campeche, an air-conditioned bus whisks tourists from the train station to the city center.

From Los Angeles Times

Without a word, he whisked me past a serpentine of travelers and straight to the metal detector.

From Los Angeles Times

Preparing the sauce: Rather than tempering the egg yolk with warm broth, I whisk it into the cream.

From Salon

Related Words

• dart
• dash
• hurry
• whip
• wipe