First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1shrill
verb \ˈshril, especially Southern ˈsril\
: to make a very loud, high-pitched sound
: to say (something) in a very loud, high-pitched voice
Full Definition of SHRILL
transitive verb
: scream
intransitive verb
: to utter or emit an acute piercing sound
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Origin of SHRILL
Middle English; probably akin to Old English scrallettan to resound loudly — more at skirl
2shrill
adjective
: having a very loud, high-pitched sound
: loud and difficult to ignore but often unreasonable
Full Definition of SHRILL
1
a : having or emitting a sharp high-pitched tone or sound : piercing b : accompanied by sharp high-pitched sounds or cries <shrill gaiety>
2
: having a sharp or vivid effect on the senses <shrill light>
3
: strident, intemperate <shrill anger> <shrill criticism>
— shrill adverb
— shrill·ness noun
— shril·ly \ˈshril-lē, especially Southern ˈsril-\ adverb
See shrill defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SHRILL
14th century
3shrill
noun
Definition of SHRILL
: a shrill sound <the shrill of the ship's whistle>
First Known Use of SHRILL
1589
SHRILL Defined for Kids
1shrill
verb \ˈshril\
shrilledshrill·ing
Definition of SHRILL for Kids
1
: to make a high-pitched usually piercing sound
2
: to say in a loud high-pitched voice <“Will!” a voice shrilled, and Mary came flying up the drive. — Susan Cooper, The Dark is Rising>
2shrill
adjective
shrill·ershrill·est
Definition of SHRILL for Kids
: having a high-pitched usually piercing sound <a shrill whistle>
— shrill·ness noun
— shril·ly \ˈshril-lē\ adverb <She spoke shrilly.>
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