chirrup

[ cheer-uhp, chur- ]

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.

verb (used with object)

, chir·ruped, chir·rup·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈchirrupy, adjective
• ˈchirruper, noun

Other Words From

• chirrup·per noun

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

It rose again—it was like a perplexing cheep and chirrup, changing to a chortle of glee.

From Project Gutenberg

Firmly resolved even in that event to force Czar in, I clung closer to him with my knees and gave him a cheery chirrup.

From Project Gutenberg

The cricket had stopped his chirrup in the kitchen, and no mouse stirred in the slumbering house.

From Project Gutenberg

A grasshopper began to chirrup by the wall, and like a blue thread a long thin dragon-fly floated past on its brown gauze wings.

From Project Gutenberg

"Sparrow-hawks don't sing very sweetly; they chirrup and whistle," Piers interrupted.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• trill
• warble