Search results for 'whistle':

whistle noun 1 a a shrill sound produced through pursed lips or through the teeth, used to signal or to express surprise, etc; b the act of making this sound. 2 any of several similar sounds, eg the call of a bird or the shrill sigh of the wind. 3 a small hand-held device used for making a similar sound, used especially as a signal, eg as blown by a referee to regulate play on the pitch. 4 any of several devices which produce a similar sound by the use of steam, eg a railway locomotive or a kettle. 5 a simple wind instrument consisting of a wooden or metal pipe with finger holes. verb (whistled, whistling) 1 tr & intr to produce a whistle through pursed lips or teeth; to perform (a tune), signal or communicate with this sound. 2 (often whistle up someone or something) to summon them or it with a whistle. 3 tr & intr to blow or play on a whistle. 4 intrans said of a kettle or locomotive: to emit a whistling sound. 5 intrans said of the wind: to make a shrill sound. 6 tr & intr said of a bird: to sing. 7 intrans said of a bullet, etc: to whizz through the air. blow the whistle on someone or something colloq 1 to expose them (or their illegal or dishonest practices) to the authorities. 2 to declare it to be illegal. See also whistle-blower. as clean, clear or dry as a whistle very clean, clear or dry. wet one's whistle colloq to have a drink; to quench one's thirst. whistle down the wind 1 to abandon something or let it go.
ETYMOLOGY: 17c: from the practice of casting a hawk off down the wind. 2 to talk to no purpose. whistle in the dark to do something (eg whistle or talk brightly) to quell or deny one's fear.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon hwistlian to whistle.