wisp

Definition

A small bundle, as of straw or other like substance; any slender, flexible structure or group.

Etymology

From Middle English wispe, wyspe, wips, wipse, perhaps from an unrecorded Old English *wisp, *wips. Cognate with West Frisian wisp, Dutch wisp (“bundle of hay or straw”), Norwegian bokmål/Swedish/Bornholm Danish visp (“handful or bundle of grass, hay, etc.”). Akin also to Middle Dutch/Middle Low German wispel (“measure of grain”).

Example Sentences

• "A wisp of smoke rose from the candle for a few moments after he blew it out."
• "A wisp of hair escaped her barrette and whipped wildly in the wind."
• "in a small basket, on a wisp of hay"