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Chirruping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chirruping

[ˈtʃɪrəpɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

sound

To make a series of high-pitched, short sounds like those of a bird.

Synonyms

cheep, chirp, twitter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chirruping

Typically used to describe the sound made by small birds, often in a repetitive, happy manner. It's a term that evokes a sense of nature and tranquility.

  • The forest was filled with the chirruping of birds at dawn
chirp

Used to describe the short, sharp sound made by birds, insects, or even devices like alarms. It's more general and can be applied to various situations.

  • She woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside her window
twitter

Refers to a series of light, high-pitched sounds made by small birds. It can also imply a state of excitement or activity, often in a rapid, bustling manner.

  • The garden was alive with the twitter of sparrows
cheep

Often used to describe the high-pitched sound made by baby birds or small chicks. It conveys a sense of youth and vulnerability.

  • The baby chicks began to cheep as they scrambled for food

Examples of usage

  • The birds were chirruping in the trees outside my window.
  • She could hear the crickets chirruping in the grass.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Nature

  • Chirruping is often a form of communication among birds, used to signal alarm or attract mates.
  • Insects like crickets chirrup, with the male using the sound to attract females for mating, a phenomenon referred to as 'stridulation'.
  • During warm months, the sound of chirruping fills the air, contributing to the tranquil ambiance of gardens and parks.

Cultural Symbolism

  • In various cultures, the chirruping sound signifies happiness and is often referenced in songs and poems.
  • The cheerful chirrup of birds is frequently associated with spring and renewal, often invited as a sign of good luck.
  • Chirruping has inspired artworks and films, portraying innocence and the beauty of nature.

Science

  • Research shows that the frequency and rhythm of chirruping can indicate the health and stress levels of birds and insects.
  • Chirruping can also play a role in social bonding among bird species, enhancing their cooperative behaviors.
  • Sound analysis of chirruping has led to insights into how birds adapt their calls in different environments.

Origin of 'chirruping'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'chirruping' comes from the Middle English word 'chirrupen', which imitated the sound of small animals.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Old English, where similar sounds were represented by 'cyrfan' meaning to croak.
  • The playful sound of chirruping gave rise to its use in poetry and literature to evoke happiness and nature.

The word 'chirruping' originated from the combination of 'chirp' and 'chirr', both imitative words that mimic the sound of birds or insects. The term has been used since the 17th century to describe the cheerful and lively sounds made by birds or crickets. Over time, 'chirruping' has become a common word in English literature and nature writing, capturing the melodic and rhythmic nature of bird songs.

See also: chirrup.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,364, 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.