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.
Sam Neill connected from Sydney, where the brightly colored lorikeets outside were chirping.
From New York Times ● Jun. 8, 2022
“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
When I awoke Wednesday morning, the birds were chirping, the sun was shining and all was right in the world: The Dodgers had swept the Giants!
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 4, 2021
"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
Only the grasshoppers were chirping tirelessly, and a bird, startled, flew up from the charred wall.
From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke
