rustle

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To make a soft, dry crackling sound, like leaves or paper moving.

   The leaves rustled in the autumn wind.

2. 2
   noun

   A soft, dry crackling sound.

   She heard the rustle of paper as he opened the gift.

3. 3
   verb

   To steal farm animals, especially cattle.

   Thieves rustled dozens of cattle from the ranch overnight.

4. 4
   verb

   To get or prepare something quickly, especially food.

   I'll rustle up some sandwiches before we leave.

From Middle English rustelen, russelen, of uncertain origin, but probably from Old English hrūxlian, hristlan, hrystlan, hristlian (“to make a noise”). Compare also Scots reesle (“to crackle; rattle; rustle”), West Frisian risselje, Dutch ritselen (“to rustle”), Afrikaans ritsel (“to rustle”), German rascheln (“to rustle”).

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