trill 1 of 2

verb

Definition of trillnext
as in to warble
to sing with the alternation of two musical tones a bluebird trilled outside our window

Synonyms & Similar Words

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trill

2 of 2

noun

as in warble

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of trill
Verb
McGill’s superbly nuanced calls, runs, and trills elicited commentary from a second audience, perched in the trees above—a colloquium of finches, towhees, titmice, kingbirds, juncos, and Eurasian collared doves. — Alex Ross, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Musselwhite punctuated the music with his harmonica trills and moans while his right knee bounced in time with the rhythms. — Kevin McKeough, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2026
Noun
For any Kentucky Derby spectator at Churchill Downs or at home, the brassy Call to the Post is instantly recognizable—a goosebump-inducing trill that the race is about to begin. — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026 From intricate trills and inner voices to grand scales and fiery fast notes, Barnatan gave a masterful performance, supported by a commanding presence from the orchestra, culminating in a final variation that doubled as a fever dream. — Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trill
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trill
  1. warble
  2. chant
  3. chorus
  4. quaver
Verb
  • With her rich rupture of a voice, Caven warbles and quavers 16 autobiographical songs in German and French, accompanied by the electronic Catalan band Molforts.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Her distinctive voice has been Widowspeak’s emblem since the band first emerged, warbled like Mazzy Star’s Hope Sandoval over CB radio.
    — Linnie Greene, Pitchfork, 10 June 2026
Definition of warble
Verb
  • Fans chanted it for years inside The Swamp after being cued up by the marching band.
    — Matt Baker, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • As the ovation stretched into its sixth minute, the audience began chanting for director Lance Oppenheim and singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers, who makes her acting debut in the film.
    — Ramin Setoodeh, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of chant
Verb
  • As the choir chorused and as brides in white gowns walked down the aisle, the handful of relatives and friends present inside the church maintained social distance, cheered and snapped photos.
    — Justin Kabumba, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • The striker was substituted in the 65th minute for Callum Wilson, with supporters in the away enclosure chorusing for his inclusion.
    — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 3 May 2026
Definition of chorus
Verb
  • With her rich rupture of a voice, Caven warbles and quavers 16 autobiographical songs in German and French, accompanied by the electronic Catalan band Molforts.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Tiny Silver was a birdlike woman, either very young or very old, quavering.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
Definition of quaver

Browse Nearby Words

trijets
trill
trilled
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Cite this Entry

“Trill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trill. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trill

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trill

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