chirp

[ churp ]

verb (used without object)

1. to make a characteristic short, sharp sound, as small birds and certain insects.
2. to make any similar sound:

   The children chirped with amusement.

verb (used with object)

1. to sound or utter in a chirping manner:

   The little girl chirped her joy.

noun

1. a chirping sound.

CHIRP

¹

/ tʃɜːp /

acronym for

1. Confidential Human Incidents Reporting Programme: a system, run by the RAF Institute of Medicine, by which commercial pilots can comment on safety trends without the knowledge of their employers

chirp

²

/ tʃɜːp /

verb

1. (esp of some birds and insects) to make a short high-pitched sound
2. to speak in a lively fashion

noun

1. a chirping sound, esp that made by a bird

Derived Forms

• ˈchirper, noun

Other Words From

• chirper noun
• chirping·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chirp¹

1400–50; late Middle English chyrpynge (gerund); expressive word akin to cheep, chirk, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chirp¹

C15 (as chirpinge, gerund): of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Verse said he will chirp at opponents about “anything” other than personal relationships and family.

From Los Angeles Times

“I stuck to the Roosevelt side,” will.i.am chirped back to his bandmate.

From Los Angeles Times

I listen to the birds chirping outside my window.

From Los Angeles Times

A steady hum of generators resounded through the area, accompanied by the chirping of birds and the bustle of locals driving around in golf carts with water, pet food and other supplies.

From Los Angeles Times

His phone chirped every few minutes as locals called for updates on the fire or just to see whether he’s open.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• trill
• warble