Toot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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toot

[tuːt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sound

To make a short, high sound with your mouth closed

Synonyms

honk, hoot, peep.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
toot

Informal and playful sound from a horn or whistle, often used in casual or light-hearted situations.

  • The child tooted the toy horn, making everyone laugh.
  • I heard a toot coming from the clown's car.
honk

A loud and somewhat harsh sound usually associated with a car horn. Commonly used in traffic situations or to get someone's attention.

  • The driver honked as the pedestrian crossed the street.
  • I had to honk to let the biker know I was behind him.
hoot

A sound usually associated with an owl, but can also mean a loud laugh or a call in a playful context.

  • The owl hooted in the distance.
  • His joke was so funny that everyone hooted with laughter.
peep

A very soft, high-pitched sound, often associated with small birds or a short, brief noise like a beep. Can also imply someone quietly looking through a small opening.

  • I heard the chicks peeping in the nest.
  • Suddenly, there was a peep from the car's dashboard.

Examples of usage

  • The car horn tooted loudly.
  • She tooted on her flute.
Context #2 | Noun

sound

A short, high sound made with your mouth closed

Synonyms

honk, hoot, peep.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
toot

This word is commonly used to describe a short, sharp sound made by a horn or whistle. It is often informal and can be associated with playful or light situations.

  • The train gave a quick toot as it approached the station.
  • He gave a toot on his saxophone to signal the start of the song.
honk

This word is typically used to describe a loud, harsh sound made by a car horn. It often implies urgency or an attempt to get someone's attention.

  • The driver had to honk the horn to warn the pedestrian.
  • I could hear cars honking in the traffic jam.
hoot

This word can either refer to the unique sound made by an owl or a short, loud sound typically made by a vehicle's horn. It can also be used to describe laughter in an informal setting. The context usually determines the meaning.

  • We could hear the hoot of an owl in the distance.
  • The car gave a loud hoot to clear the intersection.
  • The joke made everyone hoot with laughter.
peep

This word usually describes a soft, high-pitched sound, often made by small birds or animals. It can also refer to a slight sound or a small noise made by someone or something.

  • We could hear the peep of the baby chicks in the barn.
  • There was not a peep from the audience during the performance.

Examples of usage

  • The toot of a horn could be heard in the distance.
  • He gave a little toot on his whistle.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term is often used in children's cartoons and shows to create humorous situations, particularly involving vehicles or funny noises.
  • In music, 'toot' is sometimes used to describe the brass section's sound, especially in playful or comedic contexts.

Science

  • The act of 'tooting' can also refer to the release of gas from the digestive system, which is a natural process in many animals, including humans.
  • The sound produced depends on various factors, including the speed of air passing through a tight space and the type of muscles involved.

Psychology

  • Making silly sounds like 'toot' can stimulate laughter and create bonding moments among friends and families.
  • Children often find the sound amusing, which can be used in interactive play to enhance social skills and joy.

Literature

  • In various children's books and stories, 'toot' serves as a fun onomatopoeic word that adds to the playful tone.
  • Authors often use 'toot' in rhymes and poetry to engage young readers and evoke smiles.

Origin of 'toot'

Main points about word origin

  • This word comes from the late Middle English word 'tut', meaning to express annoyance or to make a sound.
  • Variations of 'toot' exist in different languages, showing how common the sound is across cultures.

The word 'toot' originated in the late 19th century as an imitation of the sound made by a horn or flute. It is often used to describe a short, sharp sound, typically made by a musical instrument or a vehicle horn. Over time, 'toot' has become a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to convey the idea of a quick, high-pitched noise.


See also: to, tod, too.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,624, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.