to whistle
91
1.6
- verb
- /ˈwɪsəl/
:
silbar
- He learned to whistle a catchy tune to cheer himself up during long walks.
- whistle a tune
- start whistling
- whistle and sing
Some people can whistle and some people can't.
- Some people can whistle and some people can't.
- I'm like, I haven't whistled in six years.
- And and that man could God, he could whistle.
- And by chance, he's learning how to whistle.
- You hear what Vincent's saying that in Germany they can't even whistle at a woman.
- I want free jello for anyone who can whistle.
- And England were playing, I'm not right, full of English supporter, but they've known crowds whistle when there's a penalty.
- So next time you want to whistle fool, like let me know.
Examples
-
Then she noticed Wolf standing in his defensive posture, and she whistled the signal she had taught him.
Fiction book (1990) -
"It's just that it would be nice to hear someone accidentally whistle something of mine, somewhere, just once."
Academic text (2001) -
In "What Does Music Mean?" the audience was asked to whistle the theme to Bridge on the River.
Academic text (2004) -
Some people can whistle and some people can't.
-
She then began to whistle, but the men were confused.
-
Suddenly he perked up as they walked, and he began to whistle an old, old song.
Fiction book (1991) -
I'm going to whistle all the while, if that's what it takes to make me smile.
-
Alex leaned back against his plank wall, whistling one of the songs of the Pirate King.
Fiction book (1991) -
"I'll call you," he said, straight to Janet, and walked off briskly, whistling "Greensleeves."
Fiction book (1991) -
After the aide whistled a simple pattern, Anthony softly whistled a variation of the aide's pattern.
Academic text (2005)
Synonyms
47
7.0
To make a high thin sound like a small bird or child
1
4.2
Make a short high sound with lips or a small device to get attention
Idioms
- Informal
Expect to get something that is very unlikely, for example more pay
Phrasal Verbs
Compounds
66
5.0
A person who tells authorities or the public about illegal actions at their workplace
2
7.1
A series of short visits to small towns by a politician during an election campaign
How Loud
Surface Forms
Etymology
The verb whistle comes from the old sound word whist meaning 'to make a sharp sound' by blowing. So to whistle is simply to blow air and make that high, clear noise.