were / whir are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇
were: (verb) have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun). (verb) be identical to; be someone or something. (verb) occupy a certain position or area; be somewhere. (verb) happen, occur, take place. (verb) work in a specific place, with a specific subject, or in a specific function. (verb) spend or use time. (verb) have life, be alive. (verb) to remain unmolested, undisturbed, or uninterrupted -- used only in infinitive form.
whir: (noun) sound of something in rapid motion.
were: w·er
whir: NA
(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)