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Rustled: meaning, definitions and examples

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rustled

 

[ ˈrʌsəld ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

making noise

The word 'rustled' refers to the sound made by moving through dry leaves, paper, or fabric. It typically describes a soft, crackling noise that is often associated with movement in nature, like animals moving through underbrush. Rustling can also describe the sound made when someone is handling papers or materials quickly. The term evokes a sense of gentle disturbance, often linked to natural settings or casual situations.

Synonyms

crackled, murmured, shuffled, stirred

Examples of usage

  • The leaves rustled in the gentle breeze.
  • She rustled the papers on her desk as she searched for the document.
  • The animal rustled in the bushes, alerting us to its presence.

Etymology

The word 'rustle' originates from Middle English 'rustlen,' which is derived from the Old French word 'rustler,' meaning to make a noise. This has roots in similar sounding words in Germanic languages, reflecting its connection to sounds made in nature. The origins link to the notion of a stir in the setting, often associated with leaves and wildlife, representing the essence of natural disturbance. Over time, 'rustle' has commonly been used to describe varied contexts, including human activities such as handling materials, aligning with its core meaning of noise and movement.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,482, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.