chirrup

[cheer-uhp, chur-]

verb (used without object)

chirruped, chirruping 

1. to chirp.

   robins chirruping on the lawn.

2. to make a similar sound.

   She chirruped softly to encourage the horse.

verb (used with object)

chirruped, chirruping 

1. to utter with chirps.

2. to make a chirping sound to.

noun

1. the act or sound of chirruping.

   a chirrup of birds.

chirrup

/ ˈtʃɪrəp /

verb

1. (esp of some birds) to chirp repeatedly

2. to make clucking sounds with the lips

noun

1. such a sound

Other Word Forms

• chirrupper noun
• chirruper noun
• chirrupy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chirrup¹

First recorded in 1570–80; variant of chirp

Word History and Origins

Origin of chirrup¹

C16: variant of _chirp

Example Sentences

Musicians have long incorporated nature's sounds into their music - think of the chirruping in The Beatles' "Blackbird", or the rain falling in "Riders on the Storm" by The Doors.

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During trials, a lone bat had taken an unexpected test flight through the curtain of water before returning to the colony, chirruping away, he said.

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The chirrup or trill greeting is a melodious sound that cats make when saying hello to preferred individuals.

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Or rather, she was waving her phone, trying to get a bird song identification app to pick up chirrups from the surrounding trees.

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However, on this occasion, the credits rolled to the softest of chirrups, following a tribute to Helen McCrory.

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Related Words

• trill 
• warble