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Chirp Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chirp

[tสƒษœหrp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

bird sound

To make a short, high-pitched sound, like a bird.

Synonyms

cheep, peep, tweet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chirp

Used to describe the short, sharp sound made by small birds or insects like crickets. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone speaking in a lively or cheerful tone.

  • The birds began to chirp happily at sunrise.
  • Jane was chirping away excitedly about her new job.
tweet

Refers to the short, high-pitched sound made by birds, often used in a modern sense to describe a post made on the social media platform Twitter. In the bird context, it's a lighter and shorter sound.

  • The canary twitters delightfully in its cage.
  • She posted a tweet about her recent travels.
cheep

Commonly used to describe the soft, high-pitched sound made by young birds, especially chicks. It refers to a quieter, more delicate sound compared to 'chirp'.

  • The newly hatched chicks began to cheep for their mother.
  • We could hear the gentle cheep of a sparrow outside the window.
peep

Used for short, soft sounds made by young birds or animals. It's also used to describe a sound someone makes when talking in a very quiet or soft voice.

  • The baby birds were just beginning to peep from their nest.
  • He didn't make a peep during the entire movie.

Examples of usage

  • The birds chirped happily in the trees.
  • I woke up to the sound of chirping birds.
Context #2 | Noun

bird sound

A short, high-pitched sound made by a bird.

Synonyms

cheep, peep, tweet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
chirp

Usually describes the short, high-pitched notes of small birds or insects. It often conveys a happy or lively connotation.

  • The birds chirped happily in the morning
  • The crickets chirped noisily in the warm night
tweet

Commonly used for the short, high-pitched sounds made by small birds. In modern usage, it also refers to messages or posts on the social media platform Twitter.

  • The sparrows were tweeting in the garden
  • She posted a funny tweet about her cat
cheep

Specifically used for the soft, high-pitched sounds made by young birds, especially chicks.

  • The baby chicks cheeped as they followed their mother around
  • I heard a soft cheep from the nest
peep

Describes a very soft or faint sound made by small birds or animals. Also can be used figuratively to describe a small, timid sound made by a person.

  • I could hear the tiny peep of a mouse
  • The little boy let out a quiet peep

Examples of usage

  • The chirp of the sparrows filled the garden.
  • I heard the chirp of a robin outside my window.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Birds use chirping to communicate, establishing territory, attracting mates, or signaling alarm to their flock.
  • Different species have unique chirps used for various situations, demonstrating a vast array of languages within the animal kingdom.
  • Some insects, like crickets, also produce chirps, creating a symphony during warm evenings and signifying environmental changes.

Pop Culture

  • Chirping has been integrated into various songs and cartoons, often depicting playful and joyful scenes.
  • In tech, 'chirp' inspired sound notifications on platforms like Twitter, where messages appear to 'chirp' as they arrive.
  • Animated movies frequently use chirping from various creatures to bring life and whimsy to storytelling.

Literature

  • Nature poetry often uses the sound of chirping as a metaphor for happiness and freedom, reflecting how it fits into the natural world.
  • Famous authors like Emily Dickinson have beautifully integrated the sound of chirping to convey deeper emotions and connections with nature.
  • Childrenโ€™s literature frequently features chirping animals, helping to teach young readers about their environments.

Psychology

  • Listening to bird chirps can improve mood and reduce stress, showcasing the psychological effects of nature sounds on humans.
  • Research indicates chirping sounds can enhance concentration, particularly in green spaces or during outdoor activities.
  • Chirping is often associated with positive memories, creating a deeper connection with outdoor experiences.

Origin of 'chirp'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from Middle English 'chirpen,' influenced by the Old English 'cierpan,' meaning to make a noise.
  • The sound described by this term mimics the actual noise made by tiny creatures, showcasing an example of onomatopoeia.
  • Its usage dates back to the 15th century, reflecting nature's influence on language.

The word 'chirp' originated from the Old English word 'cirpian', which meant 'to chirp or twitter'. The sound of birds chirping has been a familiar and soothing sound in nature for centuries, symbolizing the presence of life and vitality in the environment.

See also: chirper, chirping.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,401, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.