rustle

American  

[ruhs-uhl] / ˈrʌs əl /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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noun

1. such a sound or sounds

rustle ² British  

/ ˈrʌsəl /

verb

1. to steal (cattle, horses, etc)

2. informal to move swiftly and energetically

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Other Word Forms

• rustling adjective
• rustlingly adverb
• unrustling adjective

Etymology

Origin of rustle

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

Example Sentences

The spiders rustled and moved in the web.

From Literature

Beneath the rustle of leaves and the trickle of water from the loch, there was a chime of magic.

From Literature

Once inside, Thor rustled around for a moment before quieting back down.

From Literature

Sadako was quiet, listening to the leaves on the maple tree rustle in the wind.

From Literature

A warm wind whispered around him and the leaves overhead rustled with secrets.

From Literature

Related Words

• whoosh