whistle

A high, clear sound made by blowing air through the lips, or a similar sound.

• I heard a loud whistle.
• The kettle gave a sharp whistle.
• The wind’s whistle kept us awake.

Similar words: whistling

Common phrases: a loud whistle, a sharp whistle, a low whistle

A small device you blow into, or a machine part, that makes a loud, high sound.

• The coach blew her whistle.
• Keep a whistle in your emergency bag.
• The train’s whistle sounded as it left.

Common phrases: blow a whistle, a referee’s whistle, a steam whistle

To make a high, clear sound by blowing air through a small opening between your lips.

• Can you whistle?
• He whistled a tune while cooking.
• She was whistling to call her dog.

How to use it: whistle something (He whistled a cheerful tune.); whistle for someone/something (She whistled for her dog.)

Common phrases: whistle a tune, whistle for someone, whistle while working

To move quickly through the air while making a high, clear sound.

• A bullet whistled past.
• The ball whistled over the fence.
• Arrows were whistling through the air.

How to use it: whistle past someone/something (The bullet whistled past his ear.); whistle through something (The arrow whistled through the air.)

Common phrases: whistle past someone, whistle through something, whistle overhead