plural whistles
1
a
: a small device that makes a very high and loud sound when a person blows air through it
The policeman blew his whistle.
b
: a device through which air or steam is forced to produce a very high and loud sound
a factory whistle
We could hear the train's whistle.
2
: a high and loud sound made by forcing air through your lips or teeth
He gave a whistle [=he whistled] to catch my attention.
3
: a sound made by blowing
We could hear the low whistle of the wind through the trees.
the whistle of the tea kettle
whistles; whistled; whistling
1
: to make a high sound by blowing air through your lips or teeth
He was whistling as he walked down the street.
He whistled for a cab.
He whistled a happy tune.
2
: to produce a high and loud sound by forcing air or steam through a device
The teakettle started to whistle.
3
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to move, pass, or go very fast with a high sound
A bullet whistled past him.
Cite this Entry
“Whistle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/whistle. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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