Whistle Definition, Meaning and Synonyms
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on April 29, 2024
Discover the correct use of 'Whisle,' often mistakenly spelled as 'Whistle,' and learn to distinguish between these frequently confused English words. Our guide offers insights and tips for accurate spelling and usage.
Whistle Definitions
To make a sound resembling a whistle by moving quickly through the air.
The bullet whistled past his head.
Eleanor
Feb 01, 2024
To emit a clear, sharp, high-pitched sound by forcing breath through a small opening.
He can whistle very loudly to grab attention.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 01, 2024
A small device designed to produce a sharp, high-pitched sound when blown.
The guard carried a whistle for emergencies.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 01, 2024
To signal, summon, or command by whistling or a whistle.
She trained her dog to come when she whistles.
Muazma Batool
Feb 01, 2024
To express or signify by whistling or a whistle-like sound.
The audience whistled in appreciation after the performance.
Smith
Feb 01, 2024
To produce a musical tune or melody by whistling.
He loves to whistle his favorite songs while working.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 01, 2024
A tool used to alert, call, or direct, often used in sports or safety.
The coach blew his whistle to end practice.
Kalel
Feb 01, 2024
To move or pass swiftly with a whistling sound.
The wind whistled through the trees during the storm.
Muneeza Rehman
Feb 01, 2024
To produce a clear musical sound by forcing air through the teeth or through an aperture formed by pursing the lips.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 31, 2024
To produce a clear, shrill, sharp musical sound by passing air over or through an opening
The tea kettle whistled on the stove.
Muneeza Rehman
Jan 31, 2024
Whistle Synonyms
Trill
To produce a quavering or vibratory sound, often as part of bird song.
The bird's trill sounded like a gentle whistle.
Maverick
Apr 29, 2024
Blow
To create a sound by forcing air through a small opening, typically with lips or an instrument.
He can blow a tune on a bottle just like a whistle.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Hoot
To make a loud sound or a musical note with an instrument.
The crowd hooted in approval during the concert.
Xavier
Apr 29, 2024
Tootle
To play lightly and repeatedly on a wind instrument.
He likes to tootle on his recorder during breaks.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Signal
A sound or gesture made to convey information or instructions.
The lifeguard gave a signal with his whistle to alert the swimmers.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Warble
To sing softly and with a succession of constantly changing notes.
The device was set to warble like a bird when messages arrived.
Xavier
Apr 29, 2024
Peep
To make a short, soft, high-pitched sound.
The chick peeped every time someone passed by its cage.
Darian
Apr 29, 2024
Tweet
To make a high-pitched sound, similar to that of a small bird.
The device emits a tweet when activated.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Sound
To make or cause to make a noise, typically a loud or distinct one.
The alarm will sound at six o'clock sharp.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
Whistle Idioms
Whistle in the dark
To try to stay cheerful in a difficult situation.
She was whistling in the dark to keep her fears at bay.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
Blow the whistle on someone
To expose or report someone's wrongdoing.
He blew the whistle on corruption in the organization.
Camila
Mar 19, 2024
Whistle for it
To ask for something that is unlikely to be given.
He can whistle for a raise; the company's not doing well.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
Wet one's whistle
To take a drink, especially of alcohol.
Let's go to the pub and wet our whistles.
Eleanor
Mar 19, 2024
Whistle and walk
To leave or depart casually or inconspicuously.
After the meeting, he just whistled and walked away.
Smith
Mar 19, 2024
Clean as a whistle
Very clean or pure.
After the cleaning, the kitchen was as clean as a whistle.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
Whistle down the wind
To abandon, forsake, or give up on.
They whistled down the wind their old business model.
Muazma Batool
Mar 19, 2024
Whistle past the graveyard
To remain optimistic in a scary or difficult situation.
Despite the risks, they were whistling past the graveyard.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
As clear as a whistle
Something very clear or understandable.
His explanation was as clear as a whistle.
Kalel
Mar 19, 2024
Whistle-stop tour
A brief and hastily arranged visit to several places.
The candidate went on a whistle-stop tour across the state.
Camila
Mar 19, 2024
Whistle Meaning in a Sentence
Every morning, the factory whistle signals the start of the workday.
Muazma Batool
Mar 19, 2024
The train whistle could be heard from miles away.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
The referee's whistle marked the end of the soccer match.
Camila
Mar 19, 2024
The kettle on the stove started to whistle when the water boiled.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
She can whistle louder than anyone I know.
Kalel
Mar 19, 2024
The whistle of the wind was eerie in the abandoned house.
Xavier
Mar 19, 2024
He heard the whistle of a bird from the tree.
Eleanor
Mar 19, 2024
The whistle of the pressure cooker indicated dinner was ready.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
As the storm approached, the whistle of the wind grew louder.
Darian
Mar 19, 2024
The teacher's whistle brought immediate silence to the playground.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the word 'whistle'?
The word 'whistle' originates from the Old English 'hwistlian', which means to make a hissing sound.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
Can 'whistle' be used in different tenses?
Yes, 'whistle' can be used in different tenses, such as present (whistle), past (whistled), and future (will whistle).
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
Is 'whistle' a regular or irregular verb?
Whistle is a regular verb. The past tense and past participle form is 'whistled'.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
What part of speech is 'whistle'?
Whistle can be both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a device or sound. As a verb, it describes the action of making that sound.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
What is the plural form of 'whistle' as a noun?
The plural form of 'whistle' is 'whistles'.
Smith
Mar 19, 2024
Can 'whistle' be used in a metaphorical sense?
Yes, 'whistle' can be used metaphorically, such as in 'whistle in the dark' which means trying to stay optimistic in a difficult situation.
Asaiah
Mar 19, 2024
What are synonyms for 'whistle'?
Synonyms for 'whistle' include chirp, peep, toot, and hoot.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
How is 'whistle' used in sports?
In sports, 'whistle' is often used to refer to the sound made by a referee to start or stop play.
Eleanor
Mar 19, 2024
Can 'whistle' be used in an idiomatic expression?
Yes, 'whistle' is used in various idiomatic expressions, such as 'clean as a whistle' and 'whistle in the dark'.
Eleanor
Mar 19, 2024
Does 'whistle' have a figurative meaning?
Yes, in phrases like 'whistle in the dark', it figuratively means to try to remain cheerful in a difficult situation.
Asaiah
Mar 19, 2024
Is 'whistle' used differently in British and American English?
The usage of 'whistle' is generally the same in both British and American English.
Xavier
Mar 19, 2024
What is a whistle blower?
A whistle blower is a person who informs on a person or organization engaged in illicit activities.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
Is there a specific term for the act of whistling a tune?
There is no specific term for it; it's generally referred to as 'whistling a tune' or 'whistling a melody'.
Muneeza Rehman
Mar 19, 2024
Can 'whistle' have a negative connotation?
In certain contexts, such as 'blow the whistle on someone', it can have a negative connotation as it implies exposing wrongdoing.
Maverick
Mar 19, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Definitions Wiki, Muneeza's commitment to clarity and precision extends beyond the realm of definitions. She believes that a thorough understanding of words empowers individuals to communicate effectively and appreciate the beauty of language in all its forms.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a copywriter, Muazma weaves words into a tapestry of compelling stories that capture hearts and minds. With a keen eye for detail and a mastery of language, she crafts messages that move people to action and create lasting impact.
