chirr

American  

[chur] / tʃɜr /

Or chirre,

verb (used without object)

1. to make a characteristic shrill, trilling sound, as a grasshopper.

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noun

1. the sound of chirring.

chirr British  

/ tʃɜː /

verb

1. (intr) (esp of certain insects, such as crickets) to make a shrill trilled sound

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noun

1. the sound of chirring

Etymology

Origin of chirr

First recorded in 1590–1600; alteration of chirp

Example Sentences

A pensive stillness passed while they listened to the hushed chirr of insects in the trees that surrounded the cemetery like an embrace.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner

And so I reach, Dear Lord, to Thee, And do beseech Thou givest me The wee cot, and the cricket's chirr, Love, and the glad sweet face of her.

From Riley Love-Lyrics by Vawter, Will

It was a hot humid night, with the chirr of queer insects outside mocking with weary iteration the lusty snores of the weary farm hands.

From Blacksheep! Blacksheep! by Nicholson, Meredith

The air was full of a faint far chirr of night insects, like an elfin serenade, and here and there among the trees pulsed the greenish-yellow spark of a firefly.

From The Valiants of Virginia by Rives, Hallie Erminie

But on leading up his horse within ten or twelve feet of the pin, it gives a little "chirr" and dives down out of sight.

From Wild Animals at Home by Seton, Ernest Thompson

Related Words

• groan
• screech
• squeak