rustle

[ruhs-uhl]

verb (used without object)

rustled, rustling 

1. to make a succession of slight, soft sounds, as of parts rubbing gently one on another, as leaves, silks, or papers.

2. to cause such sounds by moving or stirring something.

3. to move, proceed, or work energetically.

   Rustle around and see what you can find.

verb (used with object)

rustled, rustling 

1. to move or stir so as to cause a rustling sound.

   The wind rustled the leaves.

2. to move, bring, or get by energetic action.

   I'll go rustle some supper.

3. to steal (livestock, especially cattle).

noun

1. the sound made by anything that rustles.

   the rustle of leaves.

verb phrase

1. rustle up,  to find, gather, or assemble by effort or search.

   to rustle up some wood for a fire.

rustle

¹

/ ˈrʌsəl /

verb

1. to make or cause to make a low crisp whispering or rubbing sound, as of dry leaves or paper

2. to move with such a sound

noun

1. such a sound or sounds

rustle

²

/ ˈrʌsəl /

verb

1. to steal (cattle, horses, etc)

2. informal,  to move swiftly and energetically

Other Word Forms

• rustlingly adverb
• unrustling adjective
• rustling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rustle¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English verb rustlen; compare Frisian russelje, Dutch ridselen; imitative of the sound

Word History and Origins

Origin of rustle¹

Old English hrūxlian ; related to Gothic hrukjan to _crow ², Old Norse hraukr raven, _crow ¹

Origin of rustle²

C19: probably special use of _rustle ¹ (in the sense: to move with quiet sound)

Example Sentences

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

Before dawn, he would pedal out there on an old bicycle, clearing weeds and feeding cows, the world silent except for the rustle of palm leaves.

From Los Angeles Times

He has just shy of a month to rustle up another rallying cry.

From BBC

Its leaves rustle with the sound of rushing water, drawing me into a peaceful calm.

From Seattle Times

But as I opened my mouth to tell him that he had been betrayed, we were interrupted by the sound of a snap, a rustle of stones, and what might have been a polite cough.

From Literature

Related Words

• whoosh