What does whip mean?
Whip is a familiar word with several connected meanings. As a noun, it usually names a flexible strap used for striking or controlling horses or other animals; in older or sporting contexts, it can also mean a blow, a quick turn, or a jockey. As a verb, to whip someone means to strike them with a whip, while to whip something means to stir or beat it rapidly so that air is incorporated, as in whipped cream. The verb also describes very fast movement, as in whipping round a corner, and rapid creation, as in whipping up supper. Some expressions are figurative: to crack the whip means to press for speed or greater effort, and to whip someone into shape means to drive them to improve quickly. Whip can sound forceful or archaic when associated with corporal punishment, while its sexual slang carries a distinctly consensual-adult context that should not be confused with violence. Across these senses, the word links an implement of force, sudden speed, vigorous movement, and efficient preparation.
A flexible strap or cord used for striking or controlling an animal, especially a horse. The word can also denote a blow, a quick movement, an aerated food preparation, or a jockey in horse-racing usage.
"The rider urged the horse onward with a whip."
The sense meaning a jockey is chiefly associated with British and Irish racing.
To strike or beat with a whip. By extension, it means to move with sudden speed, stir rapidly so as to incorporate air, produce something quickly, or criticize someone harshly.
"She whipped the cream until it formed soft peaks."
The sense meaning to criticize harshly is informal.
The standard plural is whips. In British and Irish racing, however, the whip can mean a jockey and is usually singular.
"The trainer carried several whips."
From cracking over a racehorse to folding air into cream, whip turns force and speed into one vivid word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does whip come from?
The word is recorded in Middle English in both noun and verb uses. Its precise ancient Germanic ancestry is uncertain, although comparable forms in related Germanic languages indicate a common Germanic source. The broader meanings developed by extension from the action of using a whip, especially through the ideas of rapid movement, vigorous mixing, and swift preparation.
Related word forms
How whip is actually used
The verb can sound forceful or archaic when it refers literally to striking someone. The sense meaning to criticize harshly is informal, while the noun meaning a jockey is chiefly associated with British and Irish horse racing.
Easily confused with whip
A whisk is a handheld kitchen tool, whereas a whip is primarily an animal-control implement, though to whip cream means to incorporate air into it rapidly.