chirp

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Archived revision by Jonathan Webley (talk | contribs) as of 14:45, 16 August 2022.
Jump to navigation Jump to search

English

Etymology

From Middle English *chirpen (attested only in the derivative Middle English chirpinge, cyrpynge, chyrypynge (“chirping”). Compare Middle English chirken and chirmen. More at chirk, chirm. Compare also Middle English chirten (“to smack, chirrup”).

Pronunciation

  • Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "RP" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /t͡ʃɜːp/
    • Audio (UK):(file)
  • Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "US" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /t͡ʃɝp/
  • Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)p

Noun

chirp (plural chirps)

  1. A short, sharp or high note or noise, as of a bird or insect.
  2. (radar, sonar, radio telescopy etc.) A pulse of signal whose frequency sweeps through a band of frequencies for the duration of the pulse.

Derived terms

Translations

Verb

chirp (third-person singular simple present chirps, present participle chirping, simple past and past participle chirped)

  1. (intransitive) To make a short, sharp, cheerful note, as of small birds or crickets.
    • 1886, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 95:
      "Well, I suppose you didn't come out of the egg either before you could chirp," said the woman who was on the egg.
  2. (intransitive) To speak in a high-pitched staccato.
  3. (transitive, radar, sonar, radio telescopy etc.) To modify (a pulse of signal) so that it sweeps through a band of frequencies throughout its duration.
  4. (transitive, obsolete) To cheer up; to make (someone) happier.
  5. (Canada) To speak rapid insulting comical banter back and forth.

Derived terms

Translations

Retrieved from "https://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=chirp&oldid=68651781"