noun
Uncommon
whistling
WIHS-lihng
Whistling (noun) means the act or sound of making a shrill, breathy noise through the lips. Example: “The whistling of the wind through the gap in the window kept her awake.”
noun
1
The act or sound of making a shrill, breathy noise through the lips.
"The whistling of the wind through the gap in the window kept her awake."
How to use whistling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act, or sound, of whistling.
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Word forms
- Plural
- whistlings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ of the wind through the gap in the window kept her awake.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English whistlynge, equivalent to whistle plus -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “whistling” mean?
The word “whistling” means the act or sound of making a shrill, breathy noise through the lips. In plain terms, the act, or sound, of whistling.
How do you pronounce “whistling”?
“Whistling” is pronounced WIHS-lihng (/ˈwɪs(ə)lɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “whistling” in a sentence?
Here is “whistling” used in a sentence: “The whistling of the wind through the gap in the window kept her awake.”
What part of speech is “whistling”?
“Whistling” is a noun.
Is “whistling” a common word?
“Whistling” is an uncommon word in modern English.
