whistling
n. uncountablen. the sound you make by blowing air through your lips or teeth. It is often used to make a tune or to get someone's attention.
n. the act or sound of producing a high-pitched tone by forcing breath through a small orifice between the lips or teeth. Often used as a signal or for musical expression.
The loud whistling of the wind kept me awake all night.
The referee's sharp whistling signaled the end of the match and the players began to leave the field.
Despite the tension in the room, his casual whistling suggested a man who was either entirely unaware of the danger or remarkably confident in his escape plan.
Inherited from Middle English whistlynge, equivalent to whistle + -ing.
From Middle English whistlinge, whystlynge, from Old English hwistlung, equivalent to whistle + -ing.
Often functions as a gerund noun describing the activity; can be modified by adjectives like 'sharp', 'distant', or 'tuneless'.