whips: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Predominantly informal/neutral; specific political and culinary senses are formal/technical.
Quick answer
What does “whips” mean?
1.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
1. Third person singular present form of the verb 'to whip': to strike or beat with a flexible implement (like a lash); to move very quickly; to beat (cream, eggs, etc.) into a froth. 2. Plural of the noun 'whip': a flexible rod or lash, typically with a handle, used for striking or urging on; a member of a political party responsible for ensuring party discipline.
To defeat soundly (to whip a team); to move or take something suddenly and swiftly (to whip out a phone); to stir or agitate vigorously (emotions were whipped into a frenzy); to bind or wrap something tightly (rope whipped around the post).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'The Whips' (capitalised) is a standard term for the party discipline officers. In American English, 'Party Whip' is used. The culinary verb is identical. As a verb meaning 'to steal', 'whip' is slightly more common in UK informal slang.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, though the political association may be more immediately recognisable in the UK due to parliamentary coverage.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both varieties with similar distribution across senses.
Grammar
How to Use “whips” in a Sentence
SBJ + whip + OBJ (He whips the horse)SBJ + whip + OBJ + into + NP (She whipped the cream into peaks)SBJ + whip + OBJ + out/away/around (He whipped out his wallet)SBJ + whip + through + NP (She whipped through the paperwork)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “whips” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She whips the cream until it forms soft peaks.
- The rider whips his horse to go faster.
- He just whips out his phone and starts filming.
American English
- He whips the eggs for the omelette.
- The coach whips the team into shape before playoffs.
- The wind whipped around the corners of the building.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb; appears in compounds like 'whip-fast').
American English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb; appears in compounds like 'whip-smart').
adjective
British English
- He bought a tub of whipped cream for dessert.
- She felt quite whipped after the long hike.
American English
- I'll have a mocha with whipped cream, please.
- The whipped topping is stored in the freezer.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The new manager really cracked the whip to meet the deadline.'
Academic
Limited to historical/political contexts (e.g., 'the role of parliamentary whips') or culinary science.
Everyday
Common: cooking ('whips the eggs'), describing quick movement ('whips past'), informal discipline ('I'll crack the whip').
Technical
Political science (party whip); culinary arts (whipping method).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “whips”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “whips”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “whips”
- Using 'whips' as a singular noun (e.g., 'a whips' – incorrect). Confusing 'whipped' (adj.) meaning 'tired' (slang) with the past tense. Misspelling as 'wips'. Overusing the violent sense when a neutral one is intended.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'whips' is the plural of the noun 'whip' or the 3rd person singular present form of the verb. The singular noun is always 'whip'.
They are often synonymous (whip/beat eggs). However, 'whipping' specifically incorporates air to increase volume and lightness (whipped cream), while 'beating' can be more general mixing.
Yes, in informal contexts, especially sports: 'Our team whipped theirs 10-0.'
It can be, as it evokes imagery of slavery or harsh punishment. It's advisable to use it cautiously, preferably in non-human contexts (e.g., cracking the whip on a project).
1.
Whips is usually predominantly informal/neutral; specific political and culinary senses are formal/technical. in register.
Whips: in British English it is pronounced /wɪps/, and in American English it is pronounced /wɪps/ /hwɪps/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “crack the whip”
- “whip hand (have the)”
- “whipping boy”
- “whip up (enthusiasm/support/a meal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
WHIPS: What Happens If Punishment Strikes? (links to the core 'strike' meaning). The 's' can stand for 'swiftly' or 'stirs'.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS PHYSICAL DOMINANCE (crack the whip). SPEED IS A STRIKING FORCE (whipped past). CREATING INTENSITY IS STIRRING VIGOROUSLY (whip up emotions).
Practice
Quiz
In a parliamentary context, what is the primary role of 'the whips'?