whip-round: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “whip-round” mean?
An informal collection of money from a group of people, typically for a specific purpose like a gift or charity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An informal collection of money from a group of people, typically for a specific purpose like a gift or charity.
A spontaneous, often impromptu, fundraising effort within a small community (e.g., office, friends) where everyone contributes a small amount of money.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is predominantly British and Commonwealth English. In American English, the equivalent concept is more commonly expressed with phrases like 'pass the hat (around)', 'take up a collection', or 'chip in'.
Connotations
In British usage, it carries a connotation of camaraderie and collective goodwill. In American contexts, if used, it might be perceived as a Britishism.
Frequency
High frequency in UK informal speech; low to zero frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “whip-round” in a Sentence
have a whip-round (for sb/sth)organise a whip-round (for sb/sth)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “whip-round” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'whip-round' is not standard as a verb. Use 'chip in' or 'have a whip-round'.
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal office collections for colleagues' weddings, babies, or farewell gifts.
Academic
Rare, except in informal staffroom contexts.
Everyday
Common among friends at a pub to buy a round of drinks or for a joint gift.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “whip-round”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “whip-round”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “whip-round”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'Let's whip-round' is non-standard). It's a noun: 'Let's have a whip-round'.
- Using it in formal American contexts where it is unfamiliar.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is exclusively a noun. The correct structure is 'to have/organise a whip-round'. For the verb meaning, use 'chip in' or 'contribute'.
It is distinctly informal and colloquial. It would be out of place in official fundraising or financial documents.
The most direct equivalent phrase is 'pass the hat (around)' or 'take up a collection'. The action is described as 'chipping in'.
Traditionally yes, but in modern contexts, digital collections via payment apps are also commonly referred to as a whip-round.
An informal collection of money from a group of people, typically for a specific purpose like a gift or charity.
Whip-round: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɪp raʊnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɪp ˌraʊnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “pass the hat around (US equivalent)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone with a WHIP quickly (like a whip's crack) going ROUND a circle of friends to gather coins. It's a fast, informal collection.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY COLLECTION IS A CIRCULAR MOTION (going round the group).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'whip-round' most commonly used and understood?