Definition of trill
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 : 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 teethridge)b : a speech sound made by a trill
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Origin and Etymology of trill
Italian trillo probably of imitative origin
First Known Use: 1649
trill
Definition of trill
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
triller
nounExamples of trill in a Sentence
She pronounces her r's with a trill.
the trill of the bird
Circa 1667
First Known Use of trill
circa 1667
Origin and Etymology of trill
Middle English; akin to Middle Dutch trillen to vibrate, Swedish trilla to roll
First Known Use: 14th century
TRILL Defined for English Language Learners
trill
Definition of trill for English Language Learners
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: the sound of going quickly back and forth many times between two musical notes that are close to each other
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: a quick high sound that is repeated
TRILL Defined for Kids
Learn More about trill
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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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