chirr

or chirre, churr

[ chur ]

verb (used without object)

1. to make a characteristic shrill, trilling sound, as a grasshopper.

noun

1. the sound of chirring.

chirr

/ tʃɜː /

verb

1. intr (esp of certain insects, such as crickets) to make a shrill trilled sound

noun

1. the sound of chirring

Word History and Origins

Origin of chirr¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; alteration of chirp

Word History and Origins

Origin of chirr¹

C17: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

So it must have simply astonished the dons of Oxford to hear this peculiar Italian, as he dipped and dodged, chucked and chirred, defending Copernicanism as the literal truth.

From Literature

He sings with the men as they paddle, but all they hear is “chirring,” a sound so annoying they threaten to turn him into “squirrel stew.”

From New York Times

Hot spots continued to smolder on the charred hillside as firefighting helicopters chirred overhead.

From New York Times

A pensive stillness passed while they listened to the hushed chirr of insects in the trees that surrounded the cemetery like an embrace.

From Literature

I stood in the darkness sipping beer and missing my wife, listening to the chirr of summer insects while the stars brightened, trying to tune my ears to the unknown.

From New York Times

Related Words

• groan
• screech
• squeak