warble

UK: ˈwɔːb(ə)l | US: ˈwɔːrb(ə)l

Definition

  1. v. (of a bird) to sing with trills or quavers

  2. v. to sing or speak in a melodious manner

  3. n. a soft, melodious song or sound

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "warble" traces back to Old French werbler (to trill, sing like a bird), likely of Germanic origin, possibly related to Old High German wirbil (whirl, eddy), reflecting the fluid, fluctuating quality of birdsong. The suffix -le adds a repetitive or frequentative sense, emphasizing the continuous, trilling nature of the sound.

Examples

  1. The nightingale warbled beautifully at dawn.

  2. She warbled a lullaby to the baby.

  3. The forest echoed with the warble of thrushes.

  4. His voice warbled with emotion during the speech.

  5. The recorder’s notes warbled in the quiet room.