whistle

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 a small metal or plastic tube that you blow to make a loud high sound, used to attract attention or as a signal: The referee finally blew the whistle to stop the game. seealsoTINWHISTLE 2 the sound made by blowing a whistle: He scored the winning goal just seconds before the final whistle. 3 the sound that you make by forcing your breath out when your lips are closed: a shrill whistle * He gave a low long whistle of surprise. seealsoWOLFWHISTLE 4 the high loud sound produced by air or steam being forced through a small opening, or by sth moving quickly through the air: the whistle of a boiling kettle * the whistle of a bullet IDIOMS see BLOWv., CLEANadj. verb 1 to make a high sound or a musical tune by forcing your breath out when your lips are closed: [VN] to whistle a tune * [V] He whistled in amazement. * The crowd booed and whistled as the player came onto the field. * She whistled to the dog to come back. * Workmen whistled at her as she walked past. * He whistled at the sheer audacity of the plan. 2 [V] to make a high sound by blowing into a whistle: The referee whistled for a foul. 3 [V] (of a KETTLE or other machine) to make a high sound: The kettle began to whistle. * The microphone was making a strange whistling sound. * The train whistled and shot into the tunnel. 4 [V+adv./prep.] to move quickly, making a high sound: The wind whistled down the chimney. * A bullet whistled past his ear. 5 [V] (of a bird) to make a high sound IDIOMS sb can whistle for sth (BrE, spoken) used to say that you are not going to give sb sth that they have asked for: If he wants his money he can whistle for it-I'm broke!