whisk

UK: /ˈ^hwɪsk/ US: /hwɪsk, wɪsk/ ,(hwisk, wisk)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

whisk /hwɪsk, wɪsk/   v. [~ + object]

1. to move, remove, carry, snatch, etc., with a rapid brushing or sweeping stroke:
   The waiters whisked away the trays and plates.
2. to whip or blend (eggs or egg whites, cream, etc.) with a whisk.

n. [countable]

3. the act of whisking.
4. whisk broom.
5. a tool, usually of wire, for beating or whipping food.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

whisk  (hwisk, wisk), v.t. 

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.

v.i. 

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

n. 

6. an act of whisking.
7. a rapid, sweeping stroke;
   light, rapid movement.
8. See whisk broom. 
9. a small bunch of grass, straw, hair, or the like, esp. for use in brushing.
10. an implement, usually a bunch of wire loops held together in a handle, for beating or whipping eggs, cream, etc.

• 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 compare whip
• 1325–75; (noun, nominal) Middle English (Scots) wysk rapid sweeping movement; (verb, verbal) earlier Scots wisk, quhisk

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

whisk / wɪsk/ verb

1. (tr; often followed by away or off) to brush, sweep, or wipe off lightly
2. (transitive) to move, carry, etc, with a light or rapid sweeping motion: the taxi whisked us to the airport
3. (intransitive) to move, go, etc, quickly and nimbly: to whisk downstairs for a drink
4. (transitive) 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

Etymology: 14th Century: from Old Norse visk wisp; related to Middle Dutch wisch, Old High German wisc