First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1rustle
verb rus·tle \ˈrə-səl\
: to make a soft, light sound because parts of something are touching or rubbing against each other
: to cause (something) to make a soft, light sound
: to steal (animals) from a farm or ranch
rus·tledrus·tling \ˈrə-s(ə-)liŋ\
Full Definition of RUSTLE
intransitive verb
1
: to make or cause a rustle
2
a : to act or move with energy or speed b : to forage food
3
: to steal cattle
transitive verb
1
: to cause to rustle
2
a : to obtain by one's own exertions —often used with up <able to rustle up $5,000 bail — Jack McCallum> b : forage
3
: to steal (as livestock) especially from a farm or ranch
— rus·tler \-s(ə-)lər\ noun
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Origin of RUSTLE
Middle English rustelen
2rustle
noun
: a quick series of soft, light sounds caused when things (such as leaves or pieces of paper) rub against each other
Full Definition of RUSTLE
: a quick succession or confusion of small sounds
See rustle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RUSTLE
1759
RUSTLER Defined for Kids
1rustle
verb rus·tle \ˈrə-səl\
rus·tledrus·tling
Definition of RUSTLE for Kids
1
: to make or cause to make a quick series of small sounds <Leaves rustled in the wind.>
2
: to steal (as cattle) from the range
— rus·tler \ˈrə-slər\ noun
2rustle
noun
Definition of RUSTLE for Kids
: a quick series of small sounds <From backstage you could hear the rustle of paper programs … — Richard Peck, A Year Down Yonder>
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