Definition of rustle
rustled
;rustling
play \ˈrə-s(ə-)liŋ\intransitive verb
1 : to make or cause a rustle
2a : to act or move with energy or speedb : to forage food
3 : to steal cattle
transitive verb
1 : to cause to rustle
2a : to obtain by one's own exertions —often used with up able to rustle up $5,000 bail — Jack McCallumb : forage
3 : to steal (livestock) especially from a farm or ranch
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Examples of rustle in a Sentence
The trees rustled in the wind.
Her skirt rustled as she walked.
He rustled the papers on his desk.
Recent Examples of rustle from the Web
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Here's a hot deal worth mooing about: Rustle up cow costumes and drive your herd to Chick-fil-A for free eats on Tuesday, July 11.
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In an early episode of Netflix's new show, Gypsy, which is out today, Jean (Naomi Watts) rustles through her closet and throws on a vintage, barely-there lace camisole.
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Illinois, Illinois Comes an echo on the breeze, rustling through the leafy trees, Boss Madigan has us on our knees, Illinois, Illinois Boss Madigan has us on our knees, Illinois.
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Illinois, Illinois Comes an echo on the breeze, rustling through the leafy trees, Boss Madigan has us on our knees, Illinois, Illinois Boss Madigan has us on our knees, Illinois.
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On her road lined with homes perched on the lake’s edge, the breeze appeared to barely rustle the American flags hanging from every utility pole.
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On this fresh August morning, a warm ocean breeze rustles the flowering trees lining the Caribbean capital’s picturesque streets; the bustle of the day is just getting underway.
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On my three visits, clouds tended to sweep and swirl; winds spit and rustled the land; and reminders of mayhem were still in the air.
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Yet the dark woods rustled anew with unresolved mystery like a dreamer disturbed by a recurring nightmare.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rustle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of rustle
Middle English rustelen
rustle
Definition of rustle
: a quick succession or confusion of small sounds
Examples of rustle in a Sentence
He heard a rustle of leaves behind him.
Recent Examples of rustle from the Web
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Wings beat victory over and over against the knowing sky. Trampling the last crimson daggers to a rustle along the road,
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There was a rustle inside the tent, and James Guidi, a Vietnam War veteran, emerged, a dazed look on his face.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rustle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of rustle
1624
RUSTLE Defined for English Language Learners
rustle
playDefinition of rustle for English Language Learners
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: to make a soft, light sound because parts of something are touching or rubbing against each other
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: to cause (something) to make a soft, light sound
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: to steal (animals) from a farm or ranch
rustle
Definition of rustle for English Language Learners
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: a quick series of soft, light sounds caused when things (such as leaves or pieces of paper) rub against each other
RUSTLE Defined for Kids
Definition of rustle for Students
rustled
;rustling
1 : to make or cause to make a quick series of small sounds Leaves rustled in the wind.
2 : to steal (as cattle) from the range
rustler
\ˈrə-slər\ nounDefinition of rustle for Students
: a quick series of small sounds From backstage you could hear the rustle of paper programs … — Richard Peck, A Year Down Yonder
Learn More about rustle
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See words that rhyme with rustle Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rustle Spanish Central: Translation of rustle Nglish: Translation of rustle for Spanish speakers
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