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

There’s Mrs. Duggan’s sitting room, for example, with its “faint, high whistling of the gas fire”; and “the weary clatter of half-hearted washing-up” in a depressing cafe.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

But if it's a simple tic, like whistling, then she says ignoring it is "the best thing" for her.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Feb. 25, 2026

Woodstock gets a solo moment too, whistling on Dog Marley’s “Three Little Birds,” set to a perfect one drop beat as Charlie Brown spirals out in a chicken suit while rubber chickens sway.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

The whistling grew louder and closer, and I licked my lips nervously.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia