whistler

noun whis·tler \ ˈhwi-s(ə-)lər , ˈwi- \

|Updated on: 25 Jul 2018

Definition of whistler

: one that whistles: such as

a : any of various birds; especially : any of numerous oscine birds (especially genus Pachycephala) found chiefly in Australia and South Pacific islands and having a whistling call

b : a large marmot (Marmota caligata) of northwestern North America having a shrill alarm call

c : a broken-winded horse

d : a very-low-frequency radio signal that is generated by lightning discharge, travels along the earth's magnetic-field lines, and produces a sound resembling a whistle of descending pitch in radio receivers

Recent Examples of whistler from the Web

Singer-songwriter-violinist-master whistler Andrew Bird is 45.

— BostonGlobe.com, "This day in history," 11 July 2018
Produced by another two-time world champion whistler, Carole Anne Kaufman, the Masters of Musical Whistling seeks to crown the next global leader of this underappreciated niche art form.

— jessica gelt, latimes.com, "Whistle a happy tune at the Masters of Musical Whistling competition," 7 Sep. 2017
The wry, literate and charming Glaswegian indie-pop band led by Stuart Murdoch return to Fairmount Park, with former Squirrel Nut Zipper Bird, a singer, violinist and expert whistler who’s pretty charming himself.

— dan deluca, Philly.com, "Dan DeLuca's Mix Picks: Queen + Adam Lambert, Rozwell Kid and Belle & Sebastian, plus 'Equipment For Living'," 27 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'whistler.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.