DictionarywhiskQuick movement
noun / verb

whisk

A quick, light movement, or to move something in this way.

The waiter whisks the empty plates away from our table.

Etymology

The word is associated with quick sweeping action. The verb and noun preserve that brief, light motion.

More examples

  • With a whisk of its tail, the cat disappears.
  • A sudden breeze whisked the receipt out of my hand.
  • She whisks the curtain aside and opens the window.

Forms

whisk · whisks · whisked · whisking

Similar words

sweep
Suggests a broad, continuous motion, not necessarily a quick one.
flick
Suggests a small, sudden movement, often made with a finger.