whistle
word
/ˈhwɪsəɫ/
WI-suhl
/wˈɪsəl/
WI-suhl
Definition
A whistle is a high, clear sound made by forcing air through your lips or through a small device. As a verb, it means to make that sound, often to call someone, give a signal, or show appreciation.
Usage & Nuances
Can be both a noun and a verb. Common patterns: 'blow a whistle', 'whistle for a taxi', 'whistle at someone', 'the referee's whistle'. 'Whistle at' can sound rude or offensive when directed at a person. Don't confuse it with 'whisper'.
Spanish: silbido - silbarPortuguese (BR): assobio - assobiarPortuguese (PT): assobio - assobiarChinese (Simplified): 口哨声 - 吹口哨Chinese (Traditional): 口哨聲 - 吹口哨Hindi: सीटी की आवाज़ - सीटी बजानाArabic: صفير - يُصفِّرBengali: হুইসেল - সিটিরRussian: свист - свистокJapanese: 口笛 - ホイッスル（笛）Vietnamese: huýt sáo - còiKorean: 휘파람 - 호루라기Turkish: ıslık - düdükUrdu: سیٹی - سیٹی بجاناIndonesian: siulan - peluit
Example Sentences
The boy can whistle very loudly.
basic
I heard a whistle outside the window.
basic
The referee whistled to start the game.
basic
She was whistling in the kitchen while making coffee.
natural
He gave a quick whistle to get the dog's attention.
natural
Don't whistle at people on the street.
natural