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chirrup

[cheer-uh p, chur-]
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verb (used without object), chir·ruped, chir·rup·ing.
  1. to chirp: robins chirruping on the lawn.
  2. to make a similar sound: She chirruped softly to encourage the horse.
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verb (used with object), chir·ruped, chir·rup·ing.
  1. to utter with chirps.
  2. to make a chirping sound to.
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noun
  1. the act or sound of chirruping: a chirrup of birds.
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Origin of chirrup

First recorded in 1570–80; variant of chirp
Related formschir·rup·per, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for chirrup

Historical Examples

  • A resounding “chirrup” and the weary beasts strained at their neck-yoke.

    The Hound From The North

    Ridgwell Cullum

  • Ben gave a chirrup, the horses began to move, and that was the end of dear old Tunxet.

    Eyebright

    Susan Coolidge

  • Another what seemed to be a painfully long pause, and then Chirrup!

    Fitz the Filibuster

    George Manville Fenn

  • It is to be hoped so, sir; the blackbirds are giving a chirrup or two.

  • There was no news from Joe Douglas these many weeks past, not a line, not a chirrup from him.

    On the Road to Bagdad

    F. S. Brereton

British Dictionary definitions for chirrup

chirrup

verb (intr)
  1. (esp of some birds) to chirp repeatedly
  2. to make clucking sounds with the lips
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noun
  1. such a sound
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Derived Formschirruper, nounchirrupy, adjective

Word Origin

C16: variant of chirp
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for chirrup

v.

1570s, alternative form chirp (v.).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper