whistle

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. the high-pitched sound made by blowing air through your lips or a tool.

n. a shrill, high-frequency sound produced by whistling or by a mechanical device.

“He gave a long, low whistle when he saw the expensive new car.”

“The sharp whistle of the kettle interrupted their conversation, signaling that the water had finally reached a boil.”

A2 · Elementary

v. to make a high sound by blowing air through your lips.

v. to produce a shrill, musical, or signaling sound by forcing breath through a small orifice formed by the lips.

“She began to whistle a happy tune while she worked in the garden.”

“He would often whistle absentmindedly while walking, a habit that his colleagues found both charming and slightly distracting during quiet mornings.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to move very fast through the air with a high-pitched noise.

v. to move rapidly through the air or a narrow opening while producing a characteristic high-pitched sound.

“The wind started to whistle through the gaps in the old windows.”

“The winter gale began to whistle through the mountain pass, making a haunting sound that echoed against the frozen rock faces.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun British English · Slang · Dialect

n. a set of matching clothes, like a jacket and trousers.

n. a suit of clothes; derived from the Cockney rhyming slang 'whistle and flute'.

“He wore his best whistle to the wedding.”

“He turned up to the interview in a sharp new whistle, hoping the professional appearance would compensate for his lack of experience.”