to chitter
3
8.0
- verb
- /ˈʧɪtər/
:
chirriar
- Only after I knew they were there did I notice the thrum of the bats chittering and scratching overhead, in what must have been closely packed gables.
- squirrels chitter
- monkeys chittered
- chittering sound
Examples
-
Something scuttled near them; something else called out, chittering.
Fiction book (1993) -
Tiny wild parrots were fluttering up in the live-oak foliage and chittering away.
Fiction book (2001) -
The crowd grew quiet again, and again they could hear the swifts chittering in the air.
Fiction book (1992) -
The fire-lizards continued their chittering conversation.
Fiction book (1991) -
Some birds thrashed, dropped, and rose, chittering.
Fiction book (1997) -
Hidden in the wall of green, birds called and monkeys chittered and shrieked.
Fiction book (1992) -
The Tree Squeak pulled itself up on her shoulder and chittered softly at Stresa.
Fiction book (1992) -
When they were safely gathered on the far shore, the Tree Squeak again chittered to Stresa.
Fiction book (1992) -
The squirrels chitter at each other, their high-pitched sounds echoing through the trees.
-
Tiny wild parrots were fluttering in the branches, chittering excitedly as they spotted a new visitor.
Synonyms
34
1.0
To make a short, high sound like a small bird, insect, or electronic device
4
2.7
To make a short, high sound like a small bird
2
1.5
To make a short high sound like a baby bird
1
4.4
To make a series of short, high bird sounds
1
3.9
To make a short, high sound like a baby bird
To make repeated short, high sounds like small birds or insects
To make a short high sound like a bird or insect
How High-Pitched
Surface Forms
Etymology
Chitter copies the tiny, quick sounds animals make, like 'chit-chit' or 'cheep', so it feels like the sound itself. So, to chitter is to make repeated high, twittering noises, which is why we use it for birds and small animals.