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

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

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

At the same time, they create a high pitched sound by whistling inside the larynx.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

As Ms. Kilpatrick notes, Ravel sometimes deflected praise for “Boléro,” his most famous work—and yet “he was unashamedly delighted when, passing a building site . . . he heard three construction workers whistling his tune.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Sánchez heard a whistling sound pass above him, and 10 more after that.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025

Then he left me there, wandering off sideways through the corn instead of down the rows, alternately whistling and humming a song I didn’t know.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce