whistle

1 of 2verb

/ˈwɪsəl/

Forms:whistles,whistling,whistled,whistled

1

to make a high-pitched sound by forcing air out through one's partly closed lips

C1

The boy learned how to whistle by watching his grandfather.
She couldn't help but whistle in amazement at the breathtaking view.
He whistled loudly to get the dog's attention from across the park.
The coach whistled sharply to signal the end of the practice.
He whistled softly to himself as he worked in the garden.

2

to produce a sharp, high-pitched sound

The kettle began to whistle as the water reached boiling point.
She could hear the train whistle from miles away, signaling its arrival.
The children listened intently as the owl whistled in the distance.

Synonyms:

3

to blow a whistle as a signal to alert or command attention

He whistled for the waiter to bring the check after finishing dinner.
She quickly whistled for the team to start the play.
She whistled for her friends to come and join her at the picnic table.
The coach whistled for the players to gather for a quick briefing.

4

to create a melody or song by producing a high-pitched sound through whistling

transitive

He began to whistle a cheerful tune while walking down the street.
Sarah whistled a catchy melody while doing household chores.
John couldn't contain his excitement and started to whistle a happy tune.
He tried to whistle a tune, but it came out more like a squeak.
She can whistle a cheerful tune that always lifts everyone’s spirits.

5

to create a sharp, high-pitched sound by moving quickly through a narrow opening or air

The wind whistled through the cracks in the window, making the house feel cold.
As the arrow flew by, it whistled through the air, signaling its speed.
The bullet whistled past his ear, narrowly missing him.
She enjoyed the sound of the breeze as it whistled through the trees.
The toy train whistled as it chugged along the track.