whistling

American  

[hwis-ling, wis-] / ˈʰwɪs lɪŋ, ˈwɪs- /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that whistles.

2. the sound produced.

3. Veterinary Pathology. a form of roaring characterized by a peculiarly shrill sound.

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whistling British  

/ ˈwɪslɪŋ /

noun

1. vet science a breathing defect of horses characterized by a high-pitched sound with each intake of air Compare roaring

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Etymology

Origin of whistling

before 900; Middle English; Old English hwistlung. See whistle, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

He leaned against the steering wheel, whistling, listening to the local radio as it called out bingo numbers—he was one of the few band members who didn’t play often.

From Literature

Foreman said, although she and her fellow inmates cannot really see out of the prison, they can hear "the whistling noise of missiles and hum of drones".

From BBC

"Losing and walking out whistling just isn't an option," he told Italian radio.

From BBC

“Who remembers the winds of January whistling in through the chinks in them pine logs?”

From Literature

But if it's a simple tic, like whistling, then she says ignoring it is "the best thing" for her.

From BBC