WHISTLE Meaning and
Definition
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Whistle is a condensed definition of "a small, high-pitched sound made by blowing air or making a similar noise through pursed lips or a small instrument." It can also refer to "a device or instrument producing a similar high-pitched sound commonly used for signaling or communication purposes."
As a verb, this term signifies "to produce or emit a whistle sound by forcing air or making a similar noise through pursed lips or a small instrument." In this context, it conveys both the act of blowing air and the resulting sound that is produced. Additionally, whistle can denote "to produce a sound that resembles a whistle, like that of a bullet or a boiling kettle."
Furthermore, whistle can be used colloquially to indicate "to produce a high-pitched sound by making an oral noise, typically to gain someone's attention or to show appreciation." An example of this usage would be when someone whistles in admiration of something they find impressive or attractive.
The noun form can also represent "a shrill, high-pitched sound made by air or steam escaping from a small opening or by a bird or a wind instrument." In this context, it encompasses the various sources from which the sound can originate. Additionally, whistle can refer to "a device or instrument capable of producing a loud, high-pitched sound, typically used for signaling or as a musical instrument."
Overall, the concept of "whistle" encompasses both the act of producing a high-pitched sound by blowing air or making a similar noise, as well as the sound itself, typically associated with signaling, communication, or attention-seeking.
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1. A sharp shrill sound made by forcing air through a narrow opening. 2. An instrument for producing a whistle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• To utter musical sounds and perform musical compositions in the manner of a wind instrument by expelling or drawing in the breath through an orifice formed by contracting the lips; to utter musical sounds with a small wind instrument; to sound shrill; to call by a whistle.
• The sound made by one who whistles; a small wind instrument; the sound made by it; a call, such as sportsmen use to their dogs; the shrill sound produced by the wind among trees, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WHISTLE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for WHISTLE
Etymology of WHISTLE
The word "whistle" originated from the Middle English word "whistlen", which was derived from the Old English word "hwistlian". This Old English term was akin to the Old Norse word "hvísla" and the High German word "hwisilen", all of which mean "to whistle". The etymology of the word can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic word "hwistlōną", meaning "to make a hissing sound" or "to whistle".
Idioms with the word WHISTLE
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wet your whistle
The idiom "wet your whistle" means to quench one's thirst, typically by taking a drink of something, often alcoholic. It can also refer to taking a break or pausing briefly, especially during a physical activity or work, to refresh oneself.
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the final whistle
The idiom "the final whistle" refers to the end or conclusion of a particular event, typically a game, match, or competition. It symbolizes the moment when an activity or situation comes to an ultimate close or resolution.
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play to the whistle
The idiom "play to the whistle" means to continue with or complete a task or activity until the very end, even in the face of obstacles or challenges. It emphasizes the importance of perseverance, determination, and not giving up until an official signal or indication marks the completion or conclusion of something.
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(as) clean as a whistle, at (as) clean as a (new) pin
The idioms "as clean as a whistle" and "as clean as a (new) pin" both refer to something being extremely clean or pristine.
"(As) clean as a whistle" implies that something is completely free from dirt, stains, or any signs of dirtiness. The origin of this phrase is not entirely clear, but it is believed to come from the fact that whistles need to be clean in order to produce a clear sound.
"(As) clean as a (new) pin" suggests that something is not only clean but also neat and orderly. Originally, this phrase referred to a pin that is shiny and new, without any signs of rust or damage. Over time, it has come to imply the overall cleanliness and
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blow the whistle on sb/sth
The idiom "blow the whistle on sb/sth" means to expose or report someone or something's wrongdoing or unethical behavior to the authorities or relevant parties. It suggests bringing attention to a hidden or illegal action with the intention of stopping it or seeking justice.
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He/She/They can whistle for it!
The idiom "He/She/They can whistle for it!" is an expression used to convey that someone can wait a long time or is unlikely to receive what they are expecting, demanding, or hoping for. It often implies that the speaker feels no obligation or willingness to fulfill the requested or anticipated outcome. It can also signify the speaker's disregard or defiance towards the person making the request.
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blow the whistle on
The idiom "blow the whistle on" typically means to expose or bring attention to illicit or unethical actions, especially in a professional setting. It refers to the act of revealing or reporting wrongdoing, often done by an insider or someone with firsthand knowledge of the improper activities.
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blow the whistle
The idiom "blow the whistle" means to expose or report illegal, unethical, or wrong activities, especially within an organization or group, often for the purpose of drawing attention to or stopping such actions. It refers to taking a stand against wrongdoing and informing the relevant authorities or the public about the misconduct.
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be as clean as a whistle
The idiom "be as clean as a whistle" means to be completely clean, spotless, or without any blemish. It can also imply being pure, free from guilt, or having a clear conscience.
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whistle in the dark
The idiom "whistle in the dark" means to try to stay positive or make oneself feel brave in a difficult or frightful situation, often by engaging in nervous or forced cheerfulness, despite the presence of fear, uncertainty, or imminent danger.
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wet one's whistle
The idiom "wet one's whistle" means to have a drink, usually an alcoholic beverage, to quench one's thirst or refresh oneself. It is often used as a lighthearted or informal way of referring to having a drink.
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a wolf whistle
The idiom "a wolf whistle" refers to a loud, high-pitched whistle that is typically made by men to express sexual interest or to show appreciation for someone's physical appearance, particularly in a suggestive or objectifying manner. It can be considered a form of catcalling or a nonverbal expression of attraction.
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whistle for sm or sth
The idiom "whistle for someone or something" usually means to not receive or obtain something, most often because it is not likely or impossible to happen. It implies that one can keep waiting or asking, but the desired person or thing will not come or be achieved.
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whistle at sm or sth
The idiom "whistle at someone or something" means to make a high-pitched sound by forcing air through pursed lips or a small instrument, typically to express approval, attraction, or admiration for someone or something. It can also be used sarcastically to express disapproval or mockery.
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can (just) whistle for sth
The idiom "can (just) whistle for sth" means that someone should not expect to receive or obtain something they desire or demand, usually due to it being unlikely or impossible. It implies that the person will not get what they want and they should not even hope for it.
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clean as a whistle
The idiom "clean as a whistle" typically means something or someone is very clean or pristine, with no dirt, blemishes, or faults. It emphasizes a high level of cleanliness, neatness, or purity.
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whistle for
The idiom "whistle for" means to not receive or be able to obtain something, despite expecting or demanding it. It implies that one's hopes or desires will go unfulfilled or that one should not have any expectations of receiving something.
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blow the whistle on somebody/something
The idiom "blow the whistle on somebody/something" means to reveal or expose wrongdoing, misconduct, or illegal activities, typically within an organization or group, by reporting it to authorities or the public. It implies taking a courageous and sometimes risky action to bring attention to someone's or something's unethical or illegal actions for the sake of justice or accountability. It is often used in the context of whistleblowers who come forward with confidential or sensitive information to expose and prevent further misconduct or harm.
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as clean as a whistle
The idiom "as clean as a whistle" means to be completely clean, without any dirt, stains, or impurities. It can also be used figuratively to describe someone's innocence or lack of involvement in any wrongdoing.
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(one) can whistle for it
The idiom "(one) can whistle for it" means that something desired or expected will not be received or obtained easily, or might not be obtained at all. It implies that there will be considerable effort or luck required to obtain the desired outcome and that it may not be granted despite one's efforts.
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can (just) whistle for (something)
The idiom "can (just) whistle for (something)" means that someone can forget about receiving something they want or expect, as it is unlikely or impossible to obtain. It implies that the person will not receive what they desire, even if they ask for it or demand it.
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can whistle for
The idiom "can whistle for" means to have little or no chance of obtaining or receiving something. It implies that one's desires or expectations will not be fulfilled, and they can only hope or request in vain.
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you, etc. can whistle for it
The idiom "you can whistle for it" or "he/she can whistle for it" is used to express that someone will be unlikely to receive what they are requesting or demanding. It implies that their desired outcome or favor will not be granted or given willingly.
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blow the whistle (on) (someone or something)
The idiom "blow the whistle on (someone or something)" refers to the act of exposing or reporting covert or unethical activities, usually within an organization, to the authorities or the public. It is often used to describe the act of revealing wrongdoing or illegal actions being carried out by an individual, a group, or an institution.
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blow the whistle on someone/something
To "blow the whistle on someone/something" means to expose or bring attention to illicit, unethical, or illegal activities, typically within an organization or in a professional setting. It involves alerting the authorities or relevant parties about misconduct, wrongdoing, or information that is kept secret or hidden.
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pay too dearly for (one's) whistle
The idiom "pay too dearly for (one's) whistle" refers to someone paying a high price or suffering significant consequences for pursuing a particular desire or ambition. It implies that the individual pursued something at great cost or effort, only to realize later that it was not worth the sacrifices made.
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whistle a different tune
The idiom "whistle a different tune" means to change one's opinion, attitude, or behavior, usually as a result of experiencing a different perspective or facing new circumstances. It implies a shift in someone's previous stance or viewpoint.
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whistle Dixie
The idiom "whistle Dixie" means to be engaged in unrealistic or wishful thinking or to be excessively optimistic about a situation. It suggests that someone is being overly confident or hopeful, often in a situation that is unlikely to succeed or turn out positively.
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whistle-blower
A whistle-blower is a person who exposes wrongdoing, corruption, or misconduct within an organization, typically by reporting it to the authorities or making it public.
Similar spelling words for WHISTLE
- waistline,
- astle,
- USAETL/TAC,
- whistle-blow,
- whistle-blower,
- estle,
- ACETYL-S-ACP,
- whistling,
- o-acetyl-l-serine,
- Esidial,
- whistle-stopped,
- ACETYL-LDL,
- Acetole,
- whistle-stoppers,
- isdell,
- eastleigh,
- Wastel,
- whistle-stopper,
- ostiole,
- westall,
- EWISTL,
- whistle-blows,
- Estoillee,
- ostell,
- astley,
- ezatollah,
- OSTTL,
- austell,
- Istle,
- westwall,
- westell,
- astely,
- ISTLI,
- astill,
- Estella,
- acidulae,
- ezatullah,
- osiedle,
- estil,
- westly,
- Estelle,
- ISODL,
- acetyl-coa,
- whistle-stops,
- whistler,
- ascidial,
- Westley,
- Whistly,
- USDLO,
- Estoile,
- Estela,
- Estel,
- OSETL,
- acetyl,
- udp-n-acetyl-d-glucosamine,
- AASTL,
- asadollah,
- Estoilee,
- austal,
- Acidly,
- n-acetyl-cysteine,
- OASTL,
- acetal,
- acidol,
- ISODEL,
- astell,
- eastwell,
- wasdale,
- Whistle-fish,
- wastel-bread,
- ezzatollah,
- whistle-stopping,
- izdeliye,
- istel,
- aecidial,
- ASDLA,
- whistle-blew,
- yeastily,
- ASTIL,
- n-acetyl-d-glucosamine,
- estella-lizarra,
- Estell,
- AISTEL,
- isitolo,
- austalia,
- whistle-pig,
- ASoDL,
- estyle.com,
- Steam-whistle,
- whistle-blowers,
- Astel,
- whistle-blowing,
- westlaw,
- acetyl-choline,
- ISSOTL,
- acetyl-parethoxy-phenylurethane,
- Westleigh,
- westdale,
- Eustyle,
- dog-whistle,
- ESTTL,
- USDTL,
- ESTLI,
- acidyl,
- penny-whistle,
- acetyl-l-carnitine,
- Acetol,
- tin-whistle,
- USAATL,
- whistle-stop,
- isotely,
- osteal,
- 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline,
- wolf-whistle,
- IOStL,
- eustele,
- esdaile,
- estill,
- amido-acetal,
- asadal,
- wasstill,
- acidule,
- whistle-stop tour,
- 3-acetyl-6-methoxybenzaldehyde,
- easdale,
- estilo,
- Eustolia,
- Wistly,
- whistle-form,
- AUSTL.
Conjugate verb Whistle
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have whistled
you
would have whistled
he/she/it
would have whistled
we
would have whistled
they
would have whistled
I
would have whistle
you
would have whistle
he/she/it
would have whistle
we
would have whistle
they
would have whistle
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been whistling
you
would have been whistling
he/she/it
would have been whistling
we
would have been whistling
they
would have been whistling
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would whistle
you
would whistle
he/she/it
would whistle
we
would whistle
they
would whistle
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be whistling
you
would be whistling
he/she/it
would be whistling
we
would be whistling
they
would be whistling
FUTURE
I
will whistle
you
will whistle
he/she/it
will whistle
we
will whistle
they
will whistle
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be whistling
you
will be whistling
he/she/it
will be whistling
we
will be whistling
they
will be whistling
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have whistled
you
will have whistled
he/she/it
will have whistled
we
will have whistled
they
will have whistled
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been whistling
you
will have been whistling
he/she/it
will have been whistling
we
will have been whistling
they
will have been whistling
IMPERATIVE
you
whistle
we
let´s whistle
to whistle
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was whistling
you
were whistling
he/she/it
was whistling
we
were whistling
they
were whistling
PAST PARTICIPLE
whistled
PAST PERFECT
I
had whistled
you
had whistled
he/she/it
had whistled
we
had whistled
they
had whistled
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been whistling
you
had been whistling
he/she/it
had been whistling
we
had been whistling
they
had been whistling
PRESENT
I
whistle
you
whistle
he/she/it
whistles
we
whistle
they
whistle
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am whistling
you
are whistling
he/she/it
is whistling
we
are whistling
they
are whistling
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
whistling
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have whistled
you
have whistled
he/she/it
has whistled
we
have whistled
they
have whistled
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been whistling
you
have been whistling
he/she/it
has been whistling
we
have been whistling
they
have been whistling
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
whistle
SIMPLE PAST
I
whistled
you
whistled
he/she/it
whistled
we
whistled
they
whistled
