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trill

Intransitive VerbTransitive Verb[C/U] Both
pl: trillspast: trilledpp: trilleding: trilling

This word carries a sense of agility and brightness. It suggests a fluttering, vibrating quality that feels light and energetic rather than heavy or droning. It is most frequently associated with the effortless beauty of nature or the disciplined skill of a trained vocalist. While a vibrato is a slow, pulsing change in pitch, a trill is a fast, deliberate jump between two distinct notes. It is used in musical contexts to add ornamentation and flair, creating a shimmering effect that draws the listener's attention to a specific moment in a piece.

Countable when referring to a single musical ornament or a specific bird call. Uncountable when referring to the general act or quality of trilling.

Meanings

Noun
[a sound]

A rapid alternation between two adjacent notes, typically produced by a bird or a singer.

"The songbird woke the neighborhood with a bright, morning trill."

Intransitive Verb
[to make a sound]

To sing or utter a sound with a rapid alternation of pitch.

"The canary began to trill softly in its cage."

Transitive Verb
[to produce a sound]

To produce a trilled sound or ornament a musical passage with a trill.

"The opera singer managed to trill the final note perfectly."

Related Words

Last Updated: May 31, 2026Report an Error