chirp
verb (used without object)
to make a characteristic short, sharp sound, as small birds and certain insects.
were chirping
-
past progressiveof chirp.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Kind of refocuses you. I enjoy that atmosphere you get in other sports, football, where it’s a little rowdy, basketball where they were chirping you, whatever. I like that.”
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 9, 2022
"They're so loud! Even at 4am, I was awake, because jetlag, and the birds were chirping away. I was like, 'Wow, I guess this is England!'"
From BBC ● May 20, 2021
Birds were chirping as players walked to the weight room blurry eyed.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2017
“I hope people, the next morning, walked outside, and birds were chirping, and the sun was out.”
From Washington Post ● Jul. 23, 2016
The rain had stopped, and the afternoon sky was bright blue and the birds were chirping again.
From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz
