chirp

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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 95: Parameter 1 should be a valid language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL. IPA(key): /tʃɜː(ɹ)p/
  • Rhymes: -ɜː(r)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
  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.

Derived terms

Translations