shrill

²shrill

adj

Definition of SHRILL

1

a : having or emitting a sharp high-pitched tone or sound : piercing b : accompanied by sharp high-pitched sounds or cries <shrill gaiety>

2

: having a sharp or vivid effect on the senses <shrill light>

3

: strident, intemperate <shrill anger> <shrill criticism>

— shrill adverb

— shrill·ness noun

— shril·ly \ˈshril-lē, especially Southern ˈsril-\ adverb

Examples of SHRILL

1. <the shrill sound of a policeman's whistle>

First Known Use of SHRILL

14th century

Related to SHRILL

Synonyms: high-pitched, piping, screeching, shrieking, squeaking, squeaky, treble, whistling

Antonyms: bass, deep, grave, low, throaty

Related Words: peeping, thin, tinny; earsplitting, nasal, penetrating, piercing, sharp, strident; squealing, whining, whiny (also whiney), yapping, yelping

Near Antonyms: gruff, hoarse, husky, rough, smoky (also smokey)

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