# whistling

/ˈhwɪsɫɪŋ/ (US) · /wˈɪslɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/whistling
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the sound or act

noun · CEFR B1

the high sound you make by blowing air through your lips, or the act of doing this.

For teachers: the act of producing a shrill, breathy sound by forcing air through the lips or a device; functions as a gerund or a common noun.

- His cheerful whistling could be heard all the way down the hallway.
- The distant whistling of the wind through the narrow mountain pass created an eerie atmosphere for the hikers.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun to describe the continuous activity.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.