Main Entry: ²shrill

Function: adjective

Date: 14th century

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