chirp

[churp]

verb (used without object)

1. to make a characteristic short, sharp sound, as small birds and certain insects.

2. to make any similar sound.

   The children chirped with amusement.

verb (used with object)

1. to sound or utter in a chirping manner.

   The little girl chirped her joy.

noun

1. a chirping sound.

chirp

¹

/ tʃɜːp /

verb

1. (esp of some birds and insects) to make a short high-pitched sound

2. to speak in a lively fashion

noun

1. a chirping sound, esp that made by a bird

CHIRP

²

/ tʃɜːp /

acronym

1. Confidential Human Incidents Reporting Programme: a system, run by the RAF Institute of Medicine, by which commercial pilots can comment on safety trends without the knowledge of their employers

Other Word Forms

• chirper noun
• chirpingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of chirp¹

1400–50; late Middle English chyrpynge (gerund); expressive word akin to cheep, chirk, etc.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chirp¹

C15 (as chirpinge, gerund): of imitative origin

Example Sentences

I have a back room in my house where I can shut the door and I can play piano or meditate or I can look at my baseball cards or just listen to the birds chirp.

From Los Angeles Times

David Warner fired shots for his old team-mates on Saturday, following chirp from Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon.

From BBC

Maga hats adorn a shelf next to a family photo album, while the family's pet birds chirp in a cage.

From BBC

If adversity reveals character, as those of us in the sports world like to chirp, consider the reaction of the three most prominent men Manfred cited in his report.

From Los Angeles Times

Zilbalodis speaks meow, chirp and woof.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• trill 
• warble