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Burble Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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burble

[ˈbɜr.bəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sound production

To burble means to make a continuous murmuring sound, often associated with flowing water. It can also refer to speaking or talking in a cheerful, happy, or excited manner in a rapid and somewhat incoherent way.

Synonyms

chatter, gurgle, murmur.

Examples of usage

  • The stream began to burble gently over the rocks.
  • She burbled with joy as she opened her birthday presents.
  • The baby burbled happily in his crib.
  • He could hear the burble of the water as it flowed down the hill.
Context #2 | Noun

sound effect

Burble as a noun describes a bubbling or gurgling sound, often used to refer to the sound made by water as it flows or bubbles up. It can also denote a cheerful or lively conversation characterized by rapid and excited speech.

Synonyms

bubble, gurgle, murmur.

Examples of usage

  • The burble of the brook was soothing to listen to.
  • Her laughter turned into a joyful burble as she shared the story.
  • The burble of voices filled the room during the party.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Burbling is often observed in streams and rivers, where water flows over rocks, creating a pleasant sound.
  • The sound produced can indicate the speed and turbulence of the water flow, helping scientists study aquatic environments.
  • Burbling can also refer to the release of air in bubbles from liquids, which is important in various natural and chemical processes.

Literature

  • In literature, the sound of burbling water often symbolizes tranquility and nature, inviting readers into a peaceful scene.
  • Authors like Lewis Carroll creatively used the sound to evoke whimsy and playfulness in their writings.
  • Poets frequently use onomatopoeia like 'burble' to capture the essence of natural sounds in their verses.

Pop Culture

  • Animated films often include burbling sounds to enhance scenes set in nature or to convey a fun, lighthearted mood.
  • The word 'burble' gained increased popularity through children's books and cartoons, familiarizing young audiences with playful language.
  • Burbling is also associated with certain sound effects in video games that aim to create a cartoonish or adventuresome atmosphere.

Psychology

  • Sounds like 'burble' can evoke feelings of calmness and relaxation, often used in therapeutic practices.
  • Research suggests that water sounds, including bubbling, can help reduce stress and promote concentration in study environments.
  • The pleasant nature of burbling sounds may trigger positive memories or associations with nature and peaceful settings.

Origin of 'burble'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'burblen,' which means to bubble up or make a bubbling noise.
  • It first appeared in print in the 15th century, describing the sound water makes.
  • Earlier influences include various languages and sounds associated with water, showing its natural connection.

The word 'burble' originates from the late 19th century, combining influences from the words 'bubble' and 'murmur'. Its earliest recorded use includes references to sounds made by water, which evoke a sense of liveliness and gentle motion. The playful nature of the term has allowed it to evolve in usage over time, encompassing both literal sounds associated with flowing liquids as well as a figurative sense of cheerful chatter. Its phonetic structure, suggesting a gushing or irregular sound, mirrors its meaning, making it a vivid description in English. The playful connotation of 'burble' has found its way into literary and colloquial expressions, representing joy, excitement, and a sense of continuity.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,532, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.