Rustle: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe the soft, muffled sound made by things like leaves, paper, or clothing brushing against each other.

• The fallen leaves rustle gently in the wind
• She heard a faint rustle as she walked down the quiet street

Used to describe speaking very softly, usually so only one person can hear, often in a confidential or secretive manner.

• She leaned in close and whispered a secret to her friend
• The children were whispering in the back of the classroom

Commonly used to describe a low, continuous, and indistinct sound, often made by talking softly or by nature such as a stream.

• He could hear the murmur of the audience as he waited backstage
• The brook's gentle murmur was soothing

Used to describe the sound of something moving quickly through the air or water, often in a graceful or elegant manner.

• The basketball swished through the net
• She heard the swish of the silk dress as she walked

Used to describe a rapid, high-pitched sound made by something moving quickly through the air.

• The race car whizzed past the spectators
• A bullet whizzed by his ear in the heat of battle

This word is suitable for describing soft, light, and quick sounds, particularly those made by leaves, paper, or clothing.

• The leaves rustled in the wind
• She gently rustled the papers on her desk

Used when referring to speaking very quietly and softly, so only a few people can hear.

• She whispered a secret into his ear
• He could barely hear the whisper of her voice in the noisy room

Best used to describe a soft, low, continuous sound, often made by people talking quietly or by the gentle movement of water.

• The students murmured among themselves
• We could hear the murmur of the brook as we walked

Appropriate for describing a smooth, quick sound, often produced by something moving swiftly through the air or water.

• She heard the swish of the basketball going through the net
• He felt a swish as the curtain moved

Used to describe a quick, buzzing or humming sound, commonly associated with something moving very fast. Often used informally.

• The bullet whizzed past his ear
• She heard a whiz as the drone flew overhead