English Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition whistle in British English

whistle noun

[countable] noun
/ˈwɪs(ə)l/
1

a small metal or plastic object that you put in your mouth and blow to make a high sound

Example

The referee blew the whistle for half-time.

Example

The whistle went for full-time.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

a piece of equipment that produces a high sound, used as a warning or a signal on a train or a boat, or in a place such as a factory

Example

The whistle blew as the train prepared to leave.

Synonyms and related words
Synonyms and related words
2

the sound that someone makes when they force air through their mouth

Example

Loud cheers and whistles greeted the team.

Example

Darren gave a low whistle.

2.1

a sound made as a signal or a warning, especially on a boat or a train, or in a place such as a factory

Example

the ship's shrill whistle

Synonyms and related words
2.2

the sound that you make by blowing through a whistle

Example

Play stopped when we heard the whistle.

Example

He scored again just seconds before the final whistle.

Synonyms and related words
2.3

the high sound that some birds make

Example

the skylark's piercing whistle

Synonyms and related words
Definition whistle in British English