whistle — a small device that makes a high sharp sound when you blow through it
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a small device that makes a high sharp sound when you blow through it
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈwɪsəl/
Example Sentences
- My dog comes running whenever I whistle, but my cat just gives me a judgmental look.
- The kettle started to whistle, reminding me that I had forgotten about my tea again.
- He tried to whistle to impress his date, but only managed to spray saliva everywhere.
whistle
NOUN[/ˈwɪsəl/]
a small device that makes a high sharp sound when you blow through it
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Old English 'hwistlian', which developed from onomatopoeia mimicking the sound of wind. It originally denoted the sharp, high-pitched sound produced through the lips or by a wind instrument.
Breakdown
Old English 'hwistlian' is primarily an onomatopoetic formation, with the base 'hwis-' imitating the whistling sound itself, and the verbal suffix '-tlian' marking the infinitive form.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My dog comes running whenever I whistle, but my cat just gives me a judgmental look.”
“The kettle started to whistle, reminding me that I had forgotten about my tea again.”
“He tried to whistle to impress his date, but only managed to spray saliva everywhere.”
“The security guard's whistle echoed through the empty museum at night.”
📚Related Words
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