adj
shrill
shrihl
Shrill (adj) means High-pitched and sharp, often unpleasantly so. Example: “The referee's shrill whistle cut through the noise of the crowd.”
adj
1
High-pitched and sharp, often unpleasantly so.
"The referee's shrill whistle cut through the noise of the crowd."
"Her voice grew shrill as the argument escalated."
verb
1
To make a shrill sound.
"The kettle shrilled on the stove."
How to use shrill
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA high, piercing sound — often used, especially of voices, to suggest it's grating or unpleasant.
Common mistake
When applied to a person's tone or manner rather than a literal sound, "shrill" can sound dismissive or gendered — use with care.
Common pairings
shrill voice
shrill whistle
shrill cry
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Word forms
- Plural
- shrills
- Third person singular
- shrills
- Past tense
- shrilled
- Comparative
- shriller
- Superlative
- shrillest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The referee's _____ whistle cut through the noise of the crowd.
Etymology
From Middle English schrille, likely of Germanic origin, probably imitative of the sound.
Related words
Rhymes for shrill
See all rhymes for shrill →Frequently asked questions
What does “shrill” mean?
The word “shrill” means high-pitched and sharp, often unpleasantly so. In plain terms, a high, piercing sound — often used, especially of voices, to suggest it's grating or unpleasant.
How do you pronounce “shrill”?
“Shrill” is pronounced shrihl (/ʃɹɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “shrill” in a sentence?
Here is “shrill” used in a sentence: “The referee's shrill whistle cut through the noise of the crowd.”
What part of speech is “shrill”?
Depending on how it is used, “shrill” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “shrill” come from?
The word “shrill” comes from Middle English. From Middle English schrille, likely of Germanic origin, probably imitative of the sound.
How many meanings does “shrill” have?
“Shrill” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: high-pitched and sharp, often unpleasantly so.
