high-pitched

[ hahy-picht ]

adjective

1. Music. played or sung at a high pitch.
2. emotionally intense:

   a high-pitched argument.

3. (of a roof ) having an almost vertical slope; steep.

high-pitched

adjective

1. pitched high in volume or tone See high
2. (of a roof) having steeply sloping sides
3. (of an argument, style, etc) lofty or intense

Word History and Origins

Origin of high-pitched¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Whooping cough is named for the high-pitched whoop that can be heard as patients suck in air after coughing.

From Los Angeles Times

The high-pitched Polynesian rallying cry he occasionally breaks out, which has been compared to something out of a Moana movie, reflected his enthusiasm.

From Los Angeles Times

At one point, Ohtani snapped his head back with a high-pitched cackle, giggling with a wide smile planted on his face.

From Los Angeles Times

No cries or gurgles, the unnerving silence in the room is only broken by the high-pitched beeps of a pulse rate monitor.

From BBC

But it’s her high-pitched voice and Southern drawl that complete the façade of harmless and sweet benevolence that initially fools Belinda into trusting her intentions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• piercing
• shrill