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

Musicians have long incorporated nature's sounds into their music - think of the chirruping in The Beatles' "Blackbird", or the rain falling in "Riders on the Storm" by The Doors.

From BBC

During trials, a lone bat had taken an unexpected test flight through the curtain of water before returning to the colony, chirruping away, he said.

From New York Times

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

From Scientific American

Or rather, she was waving her phone, trying to get a bird song identification app to pick up chirrups from the surrounding trees.

From New York Times

However, on this occasion, the credits rolled to the softest of chirrups, following a tribute to Helen McCrory.

From BBC

Related Words

• trill
• warble