Meanings
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1
noun
a rapid alternation between two adjacent musical notes
The flutist ended the phrase with a bright trill.
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2
noun
a rapid series of sounds made by a bird or by vibration of a speech organ
A sparrow's trill sounded from the hedge at dawn.
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3
verb
to sing, play, or pronounce with a rapid wavering or vibrating sound
The singer can trill the final note without losing pitch.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Recorded in English from the seventeenth century and probably imitative of a rapid vibrating sound; it has also been compared with Germanic verbs meaning 'to twirl' or 'turn.' The musical, bird-call, and articulated-r senses all preserve the idea of quick alternation.