whis·tle
ˈ(h)wi-səl 
often attributive
1
a
: a small wind instrument in which sound is produced by the forcible passage of breath through a slit in a short tube
a police whistle
b
: a device through which air or steam is forced into a cavity or against a thin edge to produce a loud sound
a factory whistle
2
a
: a shrill clear sound produced by forcing breath out or air in through the puckered lips
b
: the sound produced by a whistle
c
: a signal given by or as if by whistling
3
: a sound that resembles a whistle
especially
: a shrill clear note of or as if of a bird
whistled; whistling
ˈ(h)wi-s(ə-)liŋ
1
a
: to utter a shrill clear sound by blowing or drawing air through the puckered lips
b
: to utter a shrill note or call resembling a whistle
c
: to make a shrill clear sound especially by rapid movement
the wind whistled
d
: to blow or sound a whistle
2
a
: to give a signal or issue an order or summons by or as if by whistling
b
: to make a demand without result
he did a sloppy job, so he can whistle for his money
1
a
: to send, bring, signal, or call by or as if by whistling
b
: to charge (someone, such as a basketball or hockey player) with an infraction
2
: to produce, utter, or express by whistling
whistle a tune
Examples of whistle in a Sentence
Noun
The policeman blew his whistle.
We could hear the train's whistle.
We could hear the low whistle of the wind through the trees.
the whistle of the tea kettle
Verb
He was whistling as he walked down the street.
He whistled for a cab.
He whistled a happy tune.
The teakettle started to whistle.
A bullet whistled past him.
Recent Examples on the Web
Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 22 Nov. 2024
On the field, Pickens also pulled the face mask of Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis after the final whistle blew in Pittsburgh's 20-17 to Dallas.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 9 Oct. 2024
Caroline Tien, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024
Almost immediately, Jokić was whistled for a foul on Anthony Davis, and with the ball back and only one more second off the clock, Devin Booker banged in a 3.
—Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for whistle 
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Noun
Also new for 2024, when the final whistle is blown, the ultimate decision on which Edible Mascot gets eaten by the winners will be made by the 2024 Pop-Tarts Bowl game-winning MVP.
—Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 22 Nov. 2024
On the field, Pickens also pulled the face mask of Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis after the final whistle blew in Pittsburgh's 20-17 to Dallas.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 9 Oct. 2024
Verb
Nearly nine hours after the first runner broke the tape, a crowd of spectators, volunteers, and other athletes was still in position to welcome the final batch of marathoners—whistling, cheering, and waving glowsticks despite the late hour and dropping temps.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024
Almost immediately, Jokić was whistled for a foul on Anthony Davis, and with the ball back and only one more second off the clock, Devin Booker banged in a 3.
—Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for whistle
Dictionary Entries Near whistle
Cite this Entry
“Whistle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whistle. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
whistle
1 of 2 noun
whis·tle
ˈhwis-əl
ˈwis-
1
: a device making a shrill sound
tin whistle
steam whistle
2
a
: a shrill clear sound made by forcing air through puckered lips
b
: a sound or signal produced by a whistle or as if by whistling
whistle
2 of 2 verb
whistled; whistling
ˈhwis-(ə-)liŋ
ˈwis-
1
: to make a whistle through puckered lips
2
: to move, pass, or go with a shrill sound
an arrow whistled by me
3
: to blow or sound a whistle
the teakettle whistled
4
: to utter by whistling
whistle a tune
whistler
noun
ˈhwis-(ə-)lər
ˈwis-
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