rustles; rustled; rustling
1
a
: to make a soft, light sound because parts of something are touching or rubbing against each other
The trees rustled in the wind.
Her skirt rustled as she walked.
b
: to cause (something) to make a soft, light sound
He rustled the papers on his desk.
2
: to steal (animals) from a farm or ranch
rustle sheep/cattle
: a quick series of soft, light sounds caused when things (such as leaves or pieces of paper) rub against each other
He heard a rustle of leaves behind him.
Cite this Entry
“Rustle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/rustle. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
