rustle

[ ruhs-uhl ]

/ ˈrʌs əl /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: rustle / rustling on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object), rus·tled, rus·tling.

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

to cause such sounds by moving or stirring something.

to move, proceed, or work energetically: Rustle around and see what you can find.

verb (used with object), rus·tled, rus·tling.

to move or stir so as to cause a rustling sound: The wind rustled the leaves.

to move, bring, or get by energetic action: I'll go rustle some supper.

to steal (livestock, especially cattle).

noun

the sound made by anything that rustles: the rustle of leaves.

Verb Phrases

rustle up, Informal. to find, gather, or assemble by effort or search: to rustle up some wood for a fire.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of rustle

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

OTHER WORDS FROM rustle

rus·tling·ly, adverbun·rus·tling, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use rustle in a sentence

I can hear Cat rustling her card and opening it and saying my name.
'So You Think You Can Dance' Winner Ricky Ubeda Is Adorable, and Tired|Kevin Fallon|September 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In this one, he demonstrates the use of music as a conflict-free method of cattle rustling.
Bear Walks Upright, ‘Apparently Kid,’ and More Viral Videos|The Daily Beast Video|August 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Of course the Lady Regent of the Vale was standing placidly beside the open Moon Door, the wind rustling her robes.
Game of Thrones’ Ep. 7 ‘Mockingbird’ Recap: Conscious Coupling (and Uncoupling)|Andrew Romano|May 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Or have documents fly in from all corners, like leaves rustling in the wind while they fly.
Is Tech Upstart Cullen Dudas the Next Steve Jobs?|Winston Ross|January 10, 2013|DAILY BEAST

The call to prayer echoed as we made our way through the streets of Zamalek, a warm breeze rustling the trees.
Egypt’s Sexual Harassment Epidemic|Sophia Jones, Erin Banco|June 27, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He went out into the garden, and the rustling of the laurel-bushes frightened him.
Kipling Stories and Poems Every Child Should Know, Book II|Rudyard Kipling
I could not make out what it was, for the wind-was rustling the corn-shocks, but I arose and feigned to listen.
The Soldier of the Valley|Nelson Lloyd
He had concluded his prayer, but still remained with his head buried in his hands, when a rustling noise aroused him.
Oliver Twist, Vol. II (of 3)|Charles Dickens
While thus prepared, and lost to all external impressions, she was suddenly startled by a rustling and splashing under the seat.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
She watched like a cat through the open door, in the direction of the rustling noise.
The Box-Car Children|Gertrude Chandler Warner

British Dictionary definitions for rustle (1 of 2)

rustle¹

/ (ˈrʌsəl) /

verb

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

to move with such a sound

noun

such a sound or sounds

Derived forms of rustle

rustling, adjective, nounrustlingly, adverb

Word Origin for rustle

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

British Dictionary definitions for rustle (2 of 2)

rustle²

/ (ˈrʌsəl) /

verb

mainly US and Canadian to steal (cattle, horses, etc)

US and Canadian informal to move swiftly and energetically

Word Origin for rustle

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

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

rustle

Origin of rustle

OTHER WORDS FROM rustle

Words related to rustle

How to use rustle in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for rustle (1 of 2)

Derived forms of rustle

Word Origin for rustle

British Dictionary definitions for rustle (2 of 2)

Word Origin for rustle