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rustling

 - 3 dictionary results

rus⋅tle

  [ruhs-uhl] verb, -tled, -tling, noun
Use rustling in a Sentence
–verb (used without object)
1. to make a succession of slight, soft sounds, as of parts rubbing gently one on another, as leaves, silks, or papers.
2. to cause such sounds by moving or stirring something.
3. to move, proceed, or work energetically: Rustle around and see what you can find.
–verb (used with object)
4. to move or stir so as to cause a rustling sound: The wind rustled the leaves.
5. to move, bring, or get by energetic action: I'll go rustle some supper.
6. to steal (livestock, esp. cattle).
–noun
7. the sound made by anything that rustles: the rustle of leaves.
—Verb phrase
8. rustle up, Informal. to find, gather, or assemble by effort or search: to rustle up some wood for a fire.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME rustlen (v.); cf. Fris russelje, D ridselen; of imit. orig.

Related forms:
rus⋅tling⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To rustling
rus·tle   (rŭs'əl)   
v.   rus·tled, rus·tling, rus·tles

v.   intr.

  1. To move with soft fluttering or crackling sounds.

  2. To move or act energetically or with speed.

  3. To forage food.

  4. To steal livestock, especially cattle.

v.   tr.

  1. To cause to rustle.

  2. To obtain by rustling: rustled up some food in the kitchen.

  3. To steal (livestock, especially cattle).


[Middle English rustlen, perhaps of imitative origin.]
rus'tler n., rus'tling·ly adv.
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

rustle 
"to emit soft, rapid sounds," 1387 (implied in rustling), of uncertain origin, perhaps imitative (cf. M.L.G. ruschen, M.Du. ruusscen, Ger. rauschen "to rustle"). The noun is attested from 1759. Meaning "steal" (especially cattle) first attested 1882, probably from earlier Amer.Eng. slang sense of "move about vigorously" (1872), perhaps a separate word, compounded from rush and hustle.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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