whistle

The word “whistle” means to make a clear, high-pitched sound by forcing air through pursed lips or teeth. In plain terms, a high, clear sound made through the lips or with a small instrument, or the tool that produces it.

“Whistle” is pronounced WIHSL (/ˈwɪs(ə)l/ in IPA).

Here is “whistle” used in a sentence: “He whistled a cheerful tune as he walked to work.”

Depending on how it is used, “whistle” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “whistle” comes from Old English. From Old English hwistlian, an imitative word that mimics the sound it describes.

“Whistle” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Whistle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a clear, high-pitched sound by forcing air through pursed lips or teeth.

Whistling produces a clear, high-pitched tone by forcing air through pursed lips or teeth, while humming makes a sound with a closed mouth using the voice. Whistling is sharper and more piercing, whereas humming is softer and vocal.

Everyday expressions include "blow the whistle" (to report wrongdoing), "wet your whistle" (to have a drink), and "clean as a whistle" (very clean or clear). Each uses the word figuratively rather than for the literal sound.

A whistle is a small device that makes a single shrill sound when air is blown through it, while a siren produces a loud, often rising and falling warning sound, usually by machine or electronics. Whistles are typically small and hand-held, whereas sirens are larger and used for alarms.