noun
trill
trihl
Trill (noun) means a rapid alternation between two adjacent musical notes. Example: “The violinist added a delicate trill at the end of the phrase.”
noun
1
A rapid alternation between two adjacent musical notes.
"The violinist added a delicate trill at the end of the phrase."
verb
1
To sing, speak, or play with a quivering, rapidly vibrating sound.
"Birds trilled outside the window at dawn."
How to use trill
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA quick, warbling repetition of sound — used for birdsong, singing, or a musical ornament.
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Word forms
- Plural
- trills
- Third person singular
- trills
- Past tense
- trilled
- Comparative
- triller
- Superlative
- trillest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The violinist added a delicate _____ at the end of the phrase.
Etymology
From Italian trillo/trillare, borrowed into Middle English as trillen.
Related words
Rhymes for trill
See all rhymes for trill →Frequently asked questions
What does “trill” mean?
The word “trill” means a rapid alternation between two adjacent musical notes. In plain terms, a quick, warbling repetition of sound — used for birdsong, singing, or a musical ornament.
How do you pronounce “trill”?
“Trill” is pronounced trihl (/tɹɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “trill” in a sentence?
Here is “trill” used in a sentence: “The violinist added a delicate trill at the end of the phrase.”
What is another word for “trill”?
Words with a similar meaning to “trill” include chirl, chirr, quaver, warble, wobble and roll.
What part of speech is “trill”?
Depending on how it is used, “trill” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “trill” come from?
The word “trill” comes from Middle English. From Italian trillo/trillare, borrowed into Middle English as trillen.
How many meanings does “trill” have?
“Trill” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rapid alternation between two adjacent musical notes.
