trilling 1 of 2

Definition of trillingnext

trilling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of trill
as in quavering
to sing with the alternation of two musical tones a bluebird trilled outside our window

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 trilling
Verb
In a now-viral clip, Carpenter overheard someone from the crowd trilling during her set for Weekend 1 and asked if the audience member was yodeling. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2026 Sounds of loud trilling shouts after silent hunts, and singing. Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025 The blast furnace of volcanoes has fallen silent, replaced by birdsong trilling from the branches and echoing through a garden of exotic stone. Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025 Expect to marvel at saddles blanketed in blueberries and multi-hued wildflowers, marmots trilling their warnings, ibex perched on rocky spines, and neon critters that wiggle and hop underfoot. Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trilling
Adjective
  • Nine’s creaking, warbling cadence makes for a Thug/Carti hybrid that’s distinct but still close enough to be familiar and palatable.
    Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 16 Apr. 2026
  • The song may be six minutes long, but the circuitous lope of his acoustic-guitar strum and low throb of his warbling feel eternal, like the type of tune Sisyphus might have hummed to keep himself company.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The governor, Tim Walz, defeated for the Vice Presidency, gets on TV, his voice quavering, saying the right things, speaking the truth, and advising courage.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The combination of quavering flutes and solemn, unfamiliar corridors is disquieting.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • During the last international break, when Germany faced Ghana in Stuttgart, the crowd at the Neckarstadion spent much of the evening chanting for Undav’s introduction from the bench.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Padres fans packed Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú for the Mexico City Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, cheering and chanting while making new friends far from home.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That's part of why the brand is still so resonant, even for adults.
    Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
  • This year’s recipients have created stories that are deeply personal yet universally resonant, exploring themes of identity, connection, and belonging with honesty and nuance.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Ballet Orchestra, close to wrapping its 50th anniversary season, sounded especially sonorous in the score’s horn passages.
    Rachel Howard, San Francisco Chronicle, 11 Apr. 2026
  • The sonorous presence of actor Morgan Freeman will be one of the highlights of the Beatles on the Beach festival in Boca Raton on March 12-15, which will include a March 14 performance by Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience.
    Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • And, as a result, Magnolia Sage ventures into melodic ground for the artist.
    Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Smith probably won’t be the only listener surprised by the album, which combines some downtown rock with gentle, playful story-songs that swerve toward an almost Buddy Holly-ish melodic sweetness.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Benet, who is very appealing, really deserved much more to do vocally.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Forest face Newcastle at home that week before another appealing home fixture against Bournemouth in Gameweek 38.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His voice and his music are unfailingly tasteful and pleasant, which is a key part of both his appeal and limitations.
    George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • The daily afternoon tea in Horizons is also extremely pleasant (don’t skip on the chicken sandwiches, which were more my beat than the scones and jam).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Trilling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trilling. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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