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1

trill

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noun \ˈtril\

Definition of trill

  1. 1a :  the alternation of two musical tones a diatonic second apart —called also shakeb :  vibratoc :  a rapid reiteration of the same tone especially on a percussion instrument

  2. 2 :  a sound resembling a musical trill :  warble

  3. 3a :  the rapid vibration of one speech organ against another (as of the tip of the tongue against the teethridge)b :  a speech sound made by a trill

See trill defined for English-language learners

See trill defined for kids

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Origin and Etymology of trill

Italian trillo probably of imitative origin

2

trill

verb

Definition of trill

  1. intransitive verb

  2. :  to play or sing with a trill :  quaver

  3. transitive verb

  4. :  to utter as or with or as if with a trill trill the r

triller

noun

Examples of trill in a Sentence

  1. She pronounces her r's with a trill.

  2. the trill of the bird

First Known Use of trill

circa 1667

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

3

trill

verb

Definition of trill

  1. intransitive verb

  2. 1 :  to flow in a small stream or in drops :  trickle

  3. 2 :  twirl, revolve

  4. transitive verb

  5. :  to cause to flow in a small stream

Origin and Etymology of trill

Middle English; akin to Middle Dutch trillen to vibrate, Swedish trilla to roll

TRILL Defined for English Language Learners

trill

noun

Definition of trill for English Language Learners

  • : the sound of going quickly back and forth many times between two musical notes that are close to each other

  • : a quick high sound that is repeated

TRILL Defined for Kids

1

trill

play
noun \ˈtril\

Definition of trill for Students

  1. 1 :  1warble 1

  2. 2 :  the rapid vibration of one speech organ against another (as the tongue against the teeth) She pronounces r's with a trill.

  3. 3 :  a quick movement back and forth between two musical tones one step apart

2

trill

play
verb

Definition of trill for Students

trilled

;

trilling

  1. :  to utter as or with a trill

Learn More about trill

  1. See words that rhyme with trill Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for trill Spanish Central: Translation of trill Nglish: Translation of trill for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trill

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trill

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Examples: trill in a Sentence