whistle for

whis·tle for

W w

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [hwis-uh l, wis- fawr]
- /ˈʰwɪs əl, ˈwɪs- fɔr/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [hwis-uh l, wis- fawr]
- /ˈʰwɪs əl, ˈwɪs- fɔr/

Definitions of whistle for words

verb without object whistle for to make a clear musical sound, a series of such sounds, or a high-pitched, warbling sound by the forcible expulsion of the breath through a small opening formed by contracting the lips, or through the teeth, with the aid of the tongue. 1
verb without object whistle for to make such a sound or series of sounds otherwise, as by blowing on some device. 1
verb without object whistle for to emit similar sounds from the mouth, as birds do. 1
verb without object whistle for (of a device) to produce a similar sound when actuated by steam or the like: This teakettle whistles when it boils. 1
verb without object whistle for to move, go, pass, etc., with a whistling or whizzing sound, as a bullet or the wind. 1
verb with object whistle for to produce by whistling: to whistle a tune. 1

See all 19 definitions of whistle for

Information block about the term

Origin of whistle for

First appearance:

before 950

One of the 4% oldest English words

before 950; (v.) Middle English whistlen, Old English hwistlian; akin to Old Norse hvīsla to whistle, hviskra to whisper; see whine; (noun) Middle English; Old English hwistle instrument, akin to the v.

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Whistle for

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Whistle for

whistle for popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 94% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.

Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

whistle for usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for whistle for

verb whistle for

accost — If someone accosts another person, especially a stranger, they stop them or go up to them and speak to them in a way that seems rude or threatening.
bummed — depressed, upset, distressed, annoyed, etc.
bumming — a person who avoids work and sponges on others; loafer; idler.
buttonhole — A buttonhole is a hole that you push a button through in order to fasten a shirt, coat, or other piece of clothing.
buttonholing — the hole, slit, or loop through which a button is passed and by which it is secured.

All 26 Synonyms of whistle for