chirrup

[ cheer-uhp, chur- ]

verb (used without object)

, chir·ruped, chir·rup·ing.

1. to chirp:

   robins chirruping on the lawn.

2. to make a similar sound:

   She chirruped softly to encourage the horse.

verb (used with object)

, chir·ruped, chir·rup·ing.

1. to utter with chirps.
2. to make a chirping sound to.

noun

1. the act or sound of chirruping:

   a chirrup of birds.

chirrup

/ ˈtʃɪrəp /

verb

1. (esp of some birds) to chirp repeatedly
2. to make clucking sounds with the lips

noun

1. such a sound

Derived Forms

• ˈchirruper, noun
• ˈchirrupy, adjective

Other Words From

• chirrup·per noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of chirrup¹

First recorded in 1570–80; variant of chirp

Word History and Origins

Origin of chirrup¹

C16: variant of chirp

Example Sentences

The chirrup or trill greeting is a melodious sound that cats make when saying hello to preferred individuals.

From Scientific American

Capturing just 20 seconds of a songbird's chirrup, or an elk's bugle, or a kangaroo's chortle often requires hours of stillness and solitude.

From BBC

Native green parrots chirrup as they swoop by.

From Washington Post

The window was open and the chirrup of the crickets washed in harsh and strong.

From Literature

The chirrup of crosswalk signals, the shrieking of sirens, the hissing of air brakes, even the hushed chatter of people strolling on the sidewalk—I heard every sound individually.

From Literature

Related Words

• trill
• warble