Burble: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "burble" in other languages:

🇵🇹 borbulhar

🇮🇳 बुलबुला बनाना

🇩🇪 sprudeln

🇮🇩 berdesir

🇺🇦 бурчати

🇵🇱 bąbelkować

🇯🇵 泡立つ (awareru)

🇫🇷 bubbler

🇪🇸 burbujear

🇹🇷 kabarcık çıkarmak

🇰🇷 방울지다 (banguljida)

🇸🇦 يفور

🇨🇿 bublat

🇸🇰 bublanie

🇨🇳 冒泡 (màopà)

🇸🇮 mehurčkati

🇮🇸 bubbla

🇰🇿 бұл-бұлдау (būl-būldau)

🇬🇪 ბუშტების გაკეთება (bushtebis gaketeba)

🇦🇿 kabarcıq çıxarmaq

🇲🇽 burbujear

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.