verb

whistle

WIHSL

verb

To make a clear, high-pitched sound by forcing air through pursed lips or teeth.

"He whistled a cheerful tune as he walked to work."

"The referee whistled to signal the foul."

noun

A small device that makes a shrill sound when air is blown through it, or the sound itself.

"The coach blew his whistle to end training."

"A sharp whistle came from the kettle on the stove."

How to Use Whistle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA high, clear sound made through the lips or with a small instrument, or the tool that produces it.

Common pairings

blow the whistle whistle a tune wolf whistle

whistled past tense, whistles plural, whistles singular

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Can you complete this real example?

He _____ a cheerful tune as he walked to work.

From Old English hwistlian, an imitative word that mimics the sound it describes.

thistle gristle