What does whish mean?
Whish is an uncommon English sound-word used for a soft, light rushing or swooping noise, especially one made by something moving quickly through air. As a noun, “a whish” names the sound; as a verb, it describes making that sound. The effect is usually gentler and quieter than a swish, though the distinction varies with the object producing the noise: wind, fabric, or a sweeping blade may all whish. The word is evocative rather than technical and is often encountered in literary description, where its quietness and movement are important. Its close-sounding relative “wish” has an entirely different meaning and functions as a verb of wanting or a noun expressing a desired outcome. “Whish” can also suggest whispering because of its sound, but it normally denotes audible movement rather than speech. Though less frequent in everyday conversation than “swish,” it gives writers a precise, atmospheric option for rendering a brief, soft rush of air or fabric.
A soft, light rushing or swooping sound, especially one made by something moving through the air.
"He turned the page with a faint whish."
To make a soft, light rushing or swooping sound.
"The curtains whished in the open window."
The plural is grammatically regular but uncommon, since the word is usually used in the singular.
"Distant whishes of wind came through the trees."
Say “whish” aloud and its silent h disappears: it sounds exactly like “wish,” but names a soft rush of air instead of a desire.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of whish
Whish is an imitative English word recorded in the early modern period. Its precise formation is uncertain, although its sound and spelling are associated with whisper, while its meaning of a soft moving-air sound also overlaps with swish.
Related word forms
How whish is actually used
Whish is uncommon in everyday conversation and is chiefly found in literary or descriptive writing. It is especially suited to rendering a quiet movement of air, cloth, foliage, or a swiftly moving object.
Easily confused with whish
Whish usually suggests a softer, quieter sound, while swish can describe a more vigorous or sustained movement through air or water.
A whisper is a quiet vocalization used to communicate, whereas a whish normally describes a non-vocal rushing sound.