Definition of shrill
: to utter or emit an acute piercing sound
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Examples of shrill in a Sentence
the mud-splattered bystanders were shrilling with outrage at the inconsiderate motorist
Origin and Etymology of shrill
Middle English; probably akin to Old English scrallettan to resound loudly — more at skirl
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: 13th century
in the meaning defined at transitive sense
See Words from the same yearDefinition 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
Examples of shrill in a Sentence
the shrill sound of a policeman's whistle
Recent Examples of shrill from the Web
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One problem is that the liberal humor elite is increasingly shrill in its insistence that jokes be funny, or at least mildly amusing.
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After hearing Der Führer's shrill voice blaring forth from public loudspeakers and glimpsing a Nazi party meeting in a parlor at their hotel, Victor resolved to leave Europe.
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Please get out of the way!’ Shaw-Asquith’s voice was shrill.
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The acidity was a bit shrill, the finish a touch bitter.
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Surrounded by toxins Juana Leilani recalls the shrill whoops from the chemical alarms that kept sounding as Scud missiles landed around them in Saudi Arabia at the start of the war.
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Tutton was visibly moved during his first mini solo spot, but each member received his own distinct timbre of shrill adulation during the group intros.
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Like adults in withdrawal, infants feel the effects in every organ system; their symptoms include tremors, muscle spasms, shrill crying, irritability, diarrhea, vomiting, poor sleeping, and seizures.
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In emptier ballparks, its shrill noise can often be heard when the Sox make a big defensive play or between innings.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shrill.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of shrill
14th century
shrill Synonyms
Synonyms
high-pitched, piping, screeching, shrieking, squeaking, squeaky, treble, whistling;
Related Words
earsplitting, nasal, penetrating, piercing, sharp, strident;
Recent Examples of shrill from the Web
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The shrills first arose when the record-signing refused teammate Edinson Cavani the opportunity to make history by not allowing him to take a penalty against Olympique Lyon.
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Inside a lobby of a downtown Tuscaloosa hotel, the shrill of a phone ring echoes.
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Inside are piles of shrill and whining piccolo petes, neon flame-spouting blazing rebels and mounds of sparklers.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'shrill.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of shrill
1589
SHRILL Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of shrill for English Language Learners
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: to make a very loud, high-pitched sound
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: to say (something) in a very loud, high-pitched voice
shrill
Definition of shrill for English Language Learners
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: having a very loud, high-pitched sound
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: loud and difficult to ignore but often unreasonable
SHRILL Defined for Kids
Definition of shrill for Students
shrilled;
shrilling
1
: to make a high-pitched usually piercing sound
2
: to say in a loud high-pitched voice
- “Will!” a voice shrilled, and Mary came flying up the drive.
- —Susan Cooper, The Dark is Rising
Definition of shrill for Students
shriller;
shrillest
: having a high-pitched usually piercing sound
- a shrill whistle
—
shrillness
noun
—
shrilly
\ˈshril-lē\ adverb- She spoke shrilly.
Learn More about shrill
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See words that rhyme with shrill Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shrill Spanish Central: Translation of shrill Nglish: Translation of shrill for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of shrill for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
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