whistling

American  

[hwis-ling, wis-] / ˈʰwɪs lɪŋ, ˈwɪs- /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that whistles.

2. the sound produced.

3. Veterinary Pathology. a form of roaring characterized by a peculiarly shrill sound.

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whistling British  

/ ˈwɪslɪŋ /

noun

1. vet science a breathing defect of horses characterized by a high-pitched sound with each intake of air Compare roaring

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Etymology

Origin of whistling

before 900; Middle English; Old English hwistlung. See whistle, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

"Losing and walking out whistling just isn't an option," he told Italian radio.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

At the same time, they create a high pitched sound by whistling inside the larynx.

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

Wind speeds are higher up in the sky, and investment bankers are often distracted by whistling gales that blow against the tower.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

“I heard someone whistling the show’s theme song, and it wasn’t a child — it was an adult sweeping the street,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2025

Jack had made it for her birthday and taught her to cast the line in a whistling arc—the best part of fishing, Nim thought.

From "Nim’s Island" by Wendy Orr