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trill

noun
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\ ˈtril How to pronounce trill (audio) \

Definition of trill

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1a : the alternation of two musical tones a diatonic second apart

— called also shake

b : vibrato
c : a rapid reiteration of the same tone especially on a percussion instrument
2 : a sound resembling a musical trill : warble
3a : the rapid vibration of one speech organ against another (as of the tip of the tongue against the ridge of bone behind the teeth in the upper jaw)
b : a speech sound made by a trill

trill

verb (1)
trilled; trilling; trills

Definition of trill (Entry 2 of 3)

intransitive verb

: to play or sing with a trill : quaver

transitive verb

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

trill

verb (2)
trilled; trilling; trills

Definition of trill (Entry 3 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 : to flow in a small stream or in drops : trickle
2 : twirl, revolve

transitive verb

: to cause to flow in a small stream
Other Words from trill Example Sentences Learn More About trill

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Other Words from trill

Verb (1)

triller noun

Examples of trill in a Sentence

Noun She pronounces her r's with a trill. the trill of the bird

First Known Use of trill

Noun

1649, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (1)

circa 1667, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

History and Etymology for trill

Noun

Italian trillo probably of imitative origin

Verb (2)

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

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Time Traveler for trill

Time Traveler

The first known use of trill was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near trill

trilithon

trill

trillado

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Cite this Entry

“Trill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trill. Accessed 16 Oct. 2021.

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More Definitions for trill

trill

noun
How to pronounce trill (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of trill

: 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

See the full definition for trill in the English Language Learners Dictionary

trill

noun
\ ˈtril How to pronounce trill (audio) \

Kids Definition of trill

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : warble entry 1 sense 1
2 : the rapid vibration of one speech organ against another (as the tongue against the teeth) She pronounces r's with a trill.
3 : a quick movement back and forth between two musical tones one step apart

trill

verb
trilled; trilling

Kids Definition of trill (Entry 2 of 2)

: to utter as or with a trill

More from Merriam-Webster on trill

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for trill

Nglish: Translation of trill for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trill

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