rustle
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for rustle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A soft, dry crackling sound, like leaves or paper moving.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use rustle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English rustelen, likely echoing the sound itself — a word built to imitate the noise it describes.
Full origin of rustle →Frequently asked questions
What does “rustle” mean?
The word “rustle” means a soft, dry crackling sound, like leaves or paper moving. In plain terms, a soft crackly sound like dry leaves, or (informally) stealing cattle.
How do you pronounce “rustle”?
“Rustle” is pronounced RUH-suhl (/ˈɹʌsəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “rustle” in a sentence?
Here is “rustle” used in a sentence: “She heard a rustle in the bushes and froze.”
What part of speech is “rustle”?
Depending on how it is used, “rustle” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rustle” come from?
The word “rustle” comes from Middle English. From Middle English rustelen, likely echoing the sound itself — a word built to imitate the noise it describes.
How many meanings does “rustle” have?
“Rustle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a soft, dry crackling sound, like leaves or paper moving.