shrill

Everyday

1. A shrill sound is very high, loud and sharp, often unpleasant: a shrill whistle, a shrill scream. tree →
2. Shrill can describe someone who complains or argues in a loud, annoying way. tree →
3. (rare, verb) To shrill is to make a shrill sound. tree →

In the lessons

Science (sound): shrill sounds have a high pitch because the vibrations are very fast. Everyday life: a referee's shrill whistle, a smoke alarm's shrill beeping (which tells you to get out). Stories: «a shrill voice» often shows fear, panic or a bossy character.

Examples

• The referee blew a shrill whistle. tree →
• A shrill scream came from the playground. tree →
• The smoke alarm gave a shrill beep. tree →
• The bird's shrill call woke me up. tree →
• Her voice became shrill when she was scared. tree →
• The kettle let out a shrill whistle. tree →
• The shrill cries of seagulls filled the harbour. tree →
• But more distinct came the shrill voice of Tinker Bell. tree →

Note

Adjective; adverb «shrilly», noun «shrillness». Opposite: deep, low, soft. In science, «high-pitched» is the neutral word; «shrill» adds that it hurts the ears.

In Jewish tradition

Describes a high, piercing cry. Isaiah calls on a town to cry out because an enemy army is coming. In the primary lessons: Science (sound): shrill sounds have a high pitch because the vibrations are very fast. Everyday life: a referee's shrill whistle, a smoke alarm's shrill beeping (which tells you to get out). Stories: «a shrill voice» often shows fear, panic or a bossy character.

Examples

• Cry thou with a shrill voice, O daughter of Gallim! (Prophets ISA.10.30, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjective; adverb «shrilly», noun «shrillness». Opposite: deep, low, soft. In science, «high-pitched» is the neutral word; «shrill» adds that it hurts the ears.