Chirred

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To generate a quick succession of sharp, short sounds, often relating to the vocalizations of small creatures indicating activity or presence
2. To emit a series of rapid, high-pitched noises resembling the calls of certain animals, often used in the context of signaling or interaction
3. To make a quick repeating noise characterized by short sharp sounds typically produced by some small animals or insects

Etymology: "Chirred" is the past tense and past participle of "chirr," a verb for a quick, repeating, sharp trilling noise, typically made by small animals or insects such as crickets and grasshoppers. The verb "chirr" is imitative, meaning it was formed to echo the sound it describes, and it appeared around 1600. Its close relative "churr" follows the same pattern, and the two forms show how sound-imitating words can settle into slightly different spellings while keeping the same core.

Synonyms: buzzed, whirred, trilled

Antonyms: silenced, muffled