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chirp

 - 3 dictionary results

chirp

[churp]
–verb (used without object)
1. to make a characteristic short, sharp sound, as small birds and certain insects.
2. to make any similar sound: The children chirped with amusement.
–verb (used with object)
3. to sound or utter in a chirping manner: The little girl chirped her joy.
–noun
4. a chirping sound.

Origin:
1400–50; late ME chyrpynge (ger.); expressive word akin to cheep, chirk, etc.


chirper, noun
chirp⋅ing⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To chirp
chirp   (chûrp)   
n.  A short, high-pitched sound, such as that made by a small bird or an insect.
intr.v.   chirped, chirp·ing, chirps
To make a short, high-pitched sound.

[Middle English *chirpen, of imitative origin.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

chirp 
c.1440, echoic var. of M.E. chirken "to twitter" (1380), from O.E. cearcian "to creak, gnash."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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