WordGarden.iowhistle
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɪsəl/
US
- /ˈhwɪsəl/
Meanings
Noun
a small device or its sharp high-pitched sound, used to signal or attract attention
Verb
to make a clear high sound or tune by blowing through the lips, teeth, or a whistle
to signal, summon, or warn someone by whistling
to stop play or call a foul by blowing a whistle as an official
Beyond the definition
A whistle can be the cheerful sound of a bird in the morning or the sharp blast of a referee signaling a foul. It is made by pushing air through rounded lips or through a small device, and it is often used as a signal, like by a train conductor or a coach on the sidelines. You might whistle a tune while you work, or someone might whistle for help. Sometimes, whistle also means to move with a rushing sound, such as when a cold wind whistles through the trees or a bullet whistles past.
The act of making a whistle is surprisingly complex because it takes careful control of your breath and lip shape. Yet the sound is easy to recognize and very flexible in use. A whistle can be a simple signal, a playful tune, or even a stern warning. Think of a police officer directing traffic with a sharp metal whistle, or a tea kettle letting out a high-pitched sound when the water reaches a boil.
The word "whistle" functions as both a noun and a verb. To whistle is to produce that signature sound, but it can also describe the sound of something moving at high speed through the air—like an arrow whistling through the forest. Figuratively, the word is used in idioms like "whistling in the dark" to describe someone trying to stay brave, or "whistling past the graveyard" to ignore a looming problem. One might also "blow the whistle" to expose wrongdoing.
Historically, whistles were crucial for communication long before modern technology. Train conductors used them to signal departures, and sailors used "bosun's whistles" to pass commands over the roar of the ocean. In some remote regions, whistling even evolved into a sophisticated coded language used to communicate across deep valleys. Whether it's a melodic tune, a sharp command, or the sound of something speeding by, a whistle is a powerful and evocative sound with a rich history.
Examples
- 1
Sports signal
The referee blew the whistle, and the game started.
- 2
Calling an animal
She whistled for the dog, and it came straight back.
- Patternwhistle for + person/animal
make a whistle sound to call them
- 3
Music
He whistled a tune while he made coffee.
- 4
Kettle sound
The kettle was whistling, so I turned off the stove.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Wind sound
The wind whistled through the broken window all night.
- 6
Safety equipment
Every lifeguard on this beach carries a whistle.
- 7
Train signal
We heard the train's whistle long before we saw it.
- 8
Reporting wrongdoing
One of the accountants blew the whistle on the false numbers.
- Phraseblow the whistle on
report something dishonest or illegal
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- whistlenounverb
Forms
- whistlespluralnounverb
- whistling-ing formverbnoun
- whistledpast tenseverbnoun