whistle
WIHSL
Whistle (verb) means to make a clear, high-pitched sound by forcing air through pursed lips or teeth. Example: “She whistled for her dog, and it came running across the field.”
verb
1
To make a clear, high-pitched sound by forcing air through pursed lips or teeth.
"She whistled for her dog, and it came running across the field."
"He whistled a cheerful tune as he walked to work."
"The referee whistled to signal the foul."
noun
1
A small device that makes a shrill sound when air is blown through it, or the sound itself.
"The train guard blew a whistle and the doors began to close."
"The coach blew his whistle to end training."
"A sharp whistle came from the kettle on the stove."
How to use whistle
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- whistles
- Third person singular
- whistles
- Past tense
- whistled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ for her dog, and it came running across the field.
Etymology
From Old English hwistlian, an imitative word that mimics the sound it describes.
Related words
Rhymes for whistle
See all rhymes for whistle →Frequently asked questions
What does “whistle” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “whistle”?
“Whistle” is pronounced WIHSL (/ˈwɪs(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “whistle” in a sentence?
Here is “whistle” used in a sentence: “He whistled a cheerful tune as he walked to work.”
What part of speech is “whistle”?
Depending on how it is used, “whistle” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “whistle” come from?
The word “whistle” comes from Old English. From Old English hwistlian, an imitative word that mimics the sound it describes.
Is “whistle” a common word?
“Whistle” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “whistle” have?
“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.
What is the difference between "whistle" and "hum"?
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.
What are common phrases that use "whistle"?
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.
What is the difference between a whistle and a siren?
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.
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