Trill: meaning, definitions and examples

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trill

[trɪl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

music

A quavering or vibratory sound, especially a rapid alternation of sung or played notes.

Synonyms

quaver, tremolo, warble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trill	Commonly used in music to describe a rapid alternation between two adjacent notes. It can also describe a similar type of sound made by birds or in speech for an expressive effect. The flutist played a beautiful trill at the end of her solo. We enjoyed the cheerful trill of the birds in the morning.
quaver	Often used in music to indicate a slight, rapid variation in pitch or tone. In speaking, it describes a wavering or trembling sound, usually because of emotion such as fear or excitement. His voice began to quaver as he recited the emotional poem. The violinist added a quaver to give the piece more emotion.
warble	Typically describes a melodious, fluctuating sound made by birds. When used for human voices, it often implies a quavering or vibrational quality, sometimes negatively suggesting an unstable tone. We listened to the delightful warble of the larks at dawn. His voice warbled nervously during his first public speech.
tremolo	Primarily a musical term referring to the rapid repetition of a single note or rapid alternation between two notes or chords, giving a vibrating effect. It can be used for both instruments and vocal music. The guitarist used a tremolo effect to enhance the solo. The singer's trembling voice had a natural tremolo.

Examples of usage

The singer added a trill to the end of the song for a dramatic effect.
The flute player performed a beautiful trill in the concerto.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

music

To produce a trill.

Synonyms

quaver, tremolo, warble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trill	Used in music to describe a rapid alternation between two adjacent notes. Often found in classical music, especially in works for the piano, violin, and other solo instruments. The pianist played a beautiful trill at the end of the piece The bird's trill echoed through the park
quaver	Describes a shaking or trembling sound, especially a voice. It's often used when someone is nervous, scared or emotional. Her voice began to quaver during the speech The singer’s quaver made the ballad even more poignant
warble	Describes the continuous, varied, and melodious sound, typically made by birds. Can also describe a human voice that is singing in a similar, melodious manner. We heard the warble of a nightingale early in the morning The old man had a pleasant warble to his singing
tremolo	Refers to a musical effect where a single note is rapidly repeated or when two pitches are rapidly alternated, creating a trembling sound. Commonly used in string instruments like the violin or guitar. The guitarist used a tremolo effect to add excitement to the performance The violins played a haunting tremolo during the suspenseful scene

Examples of usage

The pianist trilled the notes effortlessly.
She trilled the high notes with precision.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle French word 'triller,' meaning to trample or to shake.
Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'trillare,' which means to roll or to move in a circle.
Originally used in music to describe a rapid alternation of notes to embellish a melody.

Music

In music, a trill is notated as a symbol that indicates to the musician to alternate between two adjacent notes quickly.
Trills are often used in classical compositions to add excitement and flourishes to melodies.
Famous composers such as Bach and Mozart frequently included trills in their music to showcase virtuosity.

Biology

Many bird species use trills in their songs to attract mates or to mark territory, showcasing their fitness.
The trill can be crucial for communication among animals, helping to convey specific messages.
Some frogs also produce a trill-like sound during mating calls to attract females.

Pop Culture

Trills are integral in scat singing, a vocal improvisation style used in jazz where singers mimic instruments.
In the popular animated series 'The Simpsons,' characters often use trills for comedic effect during musical moments.
Certain musical genres, like pop and jazz, widely incorporate trills to create catchy hooks and memorable phrases.

Psychology

Research indicates that high-pitched trill-like sounds can evoke feelings of happiness and excitement in listeners.
Musical education often emphasizes the importance of learning trills as they enhance motor skills and auditory perception.
Trilling in communication can indicate playful behavior in young children as they explore sounds and melodies.

Translations

Translations of the word "trill" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trinado

🇮🇳 त्रिल

🇩🇪 Triller

🇮🇩 tril

🇺🇦 трель

🇵🇱 trylek

🇯🇵 トリル

🇫🇷 trille

🇪🇸 trino

🇹🇷 tril

🇰🇷 트릴

🇸🇦 زقزقة

🇨🇿 trylek

🇸🇰 tril

🇨🇳 颤音

🇸🇮 tril

🇮🇸 þrill

🇰🇿 трель

🇬🇪 ტრილი

🇦🇿 tril

🇲🇽 trino

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,834, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
25831 untamed
25832 repressor
25833 iterated
25834 trill
25835 monogamy
25836 bivouac
25837 mismatched
...