rustle
Americanverb (used without object)
-
to make a succession of slight, soft sounds, as of parts rubbing gently one on another, as leaves, silks, or papers.
-
to cause such sounds by moving or stirring something.
-
to move, proceed, or work energetically.
Rustle around and see what you can find.
verb (used with object)
-
to move or stir so as to cause a rustling sound.
The wind rustled the leaves.
-
to move, bring, or get by energetic action.
I'll go rustle some supper.
-
to steal (livestock, especially cattle).
noun
verb phrase
verb
-
to make or cause to make a low crisp whispering or rubbing sound, as of dry leaves or paper
-
to move with such a sound
noun
verb
-
to steal (cattle, horses, etc)
-
informal to move swiftly and energetically
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have rustledperfect
-
has rustledperfect 3rd person singular
-
has been rustlingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
are rustlingprogressive
-
have been rustlingperfect progressive
-
am rustlingprogressive 1st person singular
-
is rustlingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
rustlessingular 3rd person
-
rustlingparticiple
Past
-
had rustledperfect
-
had been rustlingperfect progressive
-
were rustlingprogressive plural
-
rustledsimple
-
was rustlingprogressive singular
-
rustledparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of rustle
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English verb rustlen; compare Frisian russelje, Dutch ridselen; imitative of the sound
Explanation
A rustle can be the dry sounds made by papers rubbing together or leaves crackling. It can also be the act of searching, stealing, finding food, or making rustle sounds. Rustle has a whole lotta meanings! Walking home late at night, you hear a rustle behind you. Maybe it’s just leaves, but you’re spooked, so you rustle around in your knapsack, searching for a weapon. You turn, and it’s just a hungry friend, so you bring him home and rustle up some food from your cupboards. As your friend leaves, he rustles all your cows and takes them away.
Vocabulary lists containing rustle
List 8
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The One and Only Ivan
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"The Veldt" by Ray Bradbury
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Do labor leaders really think they can’t rustle up a quarter of their members to ensure the union preserves its role in representing workers?
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026
A shriek broke the dawn on the savannah, followed by more screeches and the rustle of branches: The wild Fongoli chimps were bidding each other good morning in the dry, scraggly Sahel.
From Barron's • Jan. 15, 2026
Once the press gets wind that Mary’s marriage has ended, the gossip is relentless, and the one-time belle of the ball can’t rustle up so much as a small tea party.
From Salon • Sep. 14, 2025
At a paddy field two kilometres from Jakarta's international airport, the rustle of fluttering kites is periodically drowned out by the thunderous roar of plane engines.
From BBC • Aug. 1, 2025
There was another rustle of leaves from above him.
From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
