chirp

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A short, high, cheerful sound made by a small bird or insect.

   The chirps of the crickets filled the warm evening air.

2. 2
   verb

   To make short, high, cheerful sounds, as birds and insects do.

   The birds were chirping in the bushes at dawn.

3. 3
   verb

   To speak in a high, cheerful, lively voice.

   "Good morning!" she chirped happily.

From Middle English *chirpen (attested only in the derivative Middle English chirpinge, cyrpynge, chyrypynge (“chirping”). Compare Middle English chirken and chirmen. More at chirk, chirm. Compare also Middle English chirten (“to smack, chirrup”).

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