whiffler

1 of 2

noun (1)

whif·​fler ˈ(h)wi-flər How to pronounce whiffler (audio)
British
: one that clears the way for a procession

whiffler

2 of 2

noun (2)

whif·​fler ˈ(h)wi-f(ə-)lər How to pronounce whiffler (audio)
1
: a person who frequently changes opinions or course
2
: a person who uses shifts and evasions in argument

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

alteration of earlier wifler, from obsolete wifle battle-ax

Noun (2)

whiffle

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1539, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of whiffler was in 1539

Browse Nearby Words

whiffle
whiffler
whiffletree
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whiffler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whiffler. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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