Trill: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽต
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trill

 

[ trษชl ]

Noun / Verb
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?

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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?

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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 singerโ€™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.

Translations

Translations of the word "trill" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น trinado

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคคเฅเคฐเคฟเคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Triller

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tril

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ั€ะตะปัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ trylek

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒˆใƒชใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท trille

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ trino

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tril

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํŠธ๋ฆด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฒู‚ุฒู‚ุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ trylek

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tril

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ขค้Ÿณ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tril

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพrill

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ั€ะตะปัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒ แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tril

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ trino

Etymology

The word 'trill' originated from the Middle English 'trillen', which meant 'to flow in a liquid manner'. It has roots in Old High German and Latin. Over time, 'trill' came to be associated with music, specifically the rapid alternation of two adjacent notes in a melody. The term has been used in music theory and practice for centuries, becoming a common technique in vocal and instrumental performances.

See also: trillion.

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.