Whistle

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /wɪslÌ©/, IPA: /ʍɪslÌ©/
• US IPA: /wɪslÌ©/, IPA: /ʍɪslÌ©/
• Rhymes: -ɪsÉ™l

Origin

From Middle English whistlen; Old English hwistlan, from Proto-Germanic *hwistlōną.

Full definition of whistle

Noun

1. A device designed to be placed in the mouth in order, or driven by steam or otherwise, to make a whistling sound.
2. An act of whistling.
3. A shrill, high-pitched sound made by whistling.
• 1898, Winston Churchill, The Celebrity Chapter 5, We expressed our readiness, and in ten minutes were in the station wagon, rolling rapidly down the long drive, for it was then after nine....As we reached the lodge we heard the whistle, and we backed up against one side of the platform as the train pulled up at the other.
4. Any high-pitched sound similar to the sound made by whistling.the whistle of the wind in the trees
5. (Cockney rhyming slang) A suit (from whistle and flute).
• 2005, Wally Payne, A Minority of One: A Monkey's Tale ContinuedWe soldiers changed into our No.1 dress uniforms, Sid into his best whistle and we set off for the church.
6. The mouth and throat; so called as being the organs of whistling.
• WaltonLet's drink the other cup to wet our whistles.

Derived terms

Verb

1. (ambitransitive) To make a shrill, high-pitched sound by forcing air through the mouth. To produce a whistling sound, restrictions to the flow of air are created using the teeth, tongue and lips.Never whistle at a funeral.She was whistling a happy tune.
2. (intransitive) To move in such a way as to create a whistling sound.A bullet whistled past.
3. (transitive) To send, signal, or call by a whistle.
• AddisonHe chanced to miss his dog; we stood still till he had whistled him up.

Derived terms