Synonyms for

Whistling

Verb / ˈwɪslɪŋ / / ˈhwɪslɪŋ / Another word for whistling — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The act of making a high-pitched sound by blowing air through pursed lips.

Synonyms & similar words

whistle sing piping tweeting warbling trilling fluting tooting blowing humming crooning singing chanting yodeling buzzing whirring hissing sibilating buzzing whining murmuring rustling

Synonyms by register

Formal

blowing venting emitting

Informal

tooting hooting piping

Literary

serenading trilling

Antonyms

silence quiet mute stillness hushing

Common collocations

  • whistling wind
  • whistling kettle
  • whistling tune
  • whistling past
  • whistling loudly
  • whistling through
  • whistling man

Word family

noun whistle
verb whistle
adjective whistling

Usage note

While 'whistle' is the noun form, 'whistling' is commonly used as a gerund or present participle. It often describes a sound produced by forcing air through a narrow opening, typically the lips.

Example sentences

  1. The bird was whistling a beautiful melody.
  2. He was whistling while he waited for the bus.
  3. I could hear the whistling of the wind through the trees.
  4. She was whistling a tune as she walked down the street.
  5. The kettle started whistling when the water boiled.

Quotes

  • You can't whistle a symphony alone. It takes an orchestra to play it.
  • Whistling girls and crowing hens always come to some bad end.
  • Whistling past the graveyard.

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