skirling

[ skur-ling ]

noun

, Scot. and North England.

1. the act of shrieking.

Word History and Origins

Origin of skirling¹

First recorded in 1775–85; skirl + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Another cliff-ghast and then a third fell in the stream or on the rocks nearby, stark dead; and then the rest fled, skirling and chittering into the dark toward the north.

From Literature

For long periods Old Trafford seemed to be staging a pub game on a windy day, the ball skirling inexorably towards the United goal, every clearance boomeranging back in the sleet.

From The Guardian

Several Celtic bands are scheduled to perform throughout the day but the musical highlight may be the skirling of 23 massed pipe bands for opening ceremonies.

From Washington Times

He turned Ms. Nicks’s “Gold Dust Woman” into a darker incantation before taking a long, skirling, keening solo in his own “I’m So Afraid”; “Tusk” was a cry of despair, not a novelty.

From New York Times

Jon could hear it skirling against the Wall and over the icy battlements as he went to the common hall for the evening meal.

From Literature