whisk

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To beat or stir a mixture rapidly with a light utensil until it becomes smooth or frothy.

   Grammar: Takes an object: whisk the eggs.

   Patterns

   • whisk something
   • whisk something until ...
   • whisk something into something

   Whisk the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy.

   She whisked the cream until it formed soft peaks.

   Whisk the flour into the milk gradually to avoid lumps.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To move someone or something quickly and suddenly, often to a different place.

   Grammar: Often used with 'away', 'off', or 'to': whisk someone off to hospital.

   Patterns

   • whisk someone away
   • whisk someone off to ...
   • whisk something away

   The ambulance whisked her off to the hospital.

   He whisked the letter away before anyone could read it.

   The waiter whisked our plates away as soon as we finished.

3. 3nouncountable

   A kitchen tool with looped wires, used for beating or blending ingredients.

   Grammar: Countable: a whisk, two whisks.

   Patterns

   • a whisk
   • use a whisk

   Use a whisk to mix the batter smooth.

   She bought a new whisk for baking.

Word forms

Common combinations

whisk away

The wind whisked away the leaves.

whisk off

She was whisked off to a meeting.

whisk together

Whisk the oil and vinegar together.

whisk until

Whisk until the mixture thickens.

Synonyms and how they differ

beat

Similar but often implies a stronger, more vigorous motion; 'whisk' is lighter and faster.

stir

A slower, circular movement; 'whisk' is rapid and incorporates air.

whip

Very similar, but 'whip' often suggests even more air is incorporated, making a fluffier texture.

Word family

whisker noun

A long, stiff hair on an animal's face; also a tool? No, that's 'whisk'.

Commonly confused: whisk or wish? whisk or whiskey?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “whisk”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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