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shrill

adjective

/ʃrɪl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of shrill

High-pitched, piercing, and often loud in an unpleasant or grating manner.
"The shrill cry of the baby could be heard throughout the house."

Detailed meaning of shrill

It typically conveys the sense of a sound that is sharp and intense, capable of causing discomfort or irritation to the ears. A shrill sound can be produced by various sources, such as a screeching car brake, a shrieking alarm, or a person's voice when it reaches an uncomfortably high pitch. The term "shrill" is often associated with a sense of urgency, alarm, or agitation and can be used to describe both natural and man-made noises. In a figurative sense, it can also be used to characterize speech or language that is loud, strident, or emotionally charged, often to the point of being excessive or grating to the listener. Overall, "shrill" emphasizes the piercing and high-pitched quality of a sound, which can be unsettling or annoying.

Example sentences containing shrill

1. The shrill sound of the alarm clock woke him abruptly.
2. Her shrill voice cut through the noisy room.
3. The car's brakes made a shrill screeching noise.
4. A shrill scream echoed through the haunted house.
5. The teapot emitted a shrill whistle when the water boiled.
6. The child's shrill laughter filled the playground.

History and etymology of shrill

The adjective 'shrill' has its etymological roots in Middle English and Old English. In Middle English, it was spelled as 'shrille,' while in Old English, it was 'scral,' both having similar meanings. The exact origin of the word is uncertain, but it is believed to be onomatopoeic in nature, imitating the sharp and piercing sound it describes. The etymology of 'shrill' aptly mirrors its essence, as it is used to characterize sounds, particularly voices or tones, that are high-pitched, piercing, and often loud in an unpleasant or grating manner. The word's historical connection to onomatopoeia emphasizes its ability to convey the harsh and strident quality of such sounds.

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Further usage examples of shrill

1. A shrill cry for help drew attention to the accident.
2. The teacher's shrill reprimand silenced the class.
3. A shrill wind howled through the night.
4. The shrill ringtone interrupted the meeting.
5. Her shrill whistle summoned the dogs.
6. A shrill alarm signaled the start of the race.
7. The microphone produced a shrill feedback noise.
8. The shrill sound of the flute echoed in the auditorium.
9. A shrill shout came from the top of the hill.
10. The cat's shrill meow begged for attention.
11. The fire alarm's shrill tone sent everyone rushing outside.
12. The shrill cry of a baby echoed in the nursery.
13. The shrill chirping of crickets filled the evening air.
14. The bird's shrill song marked the dawn.
15. A shrill whistle from the referee stopped the game.
16. Her shrill laughter echoed in the empty hallway.
17. The shrill sound of the whistle announced the train's arrival.
18. The tea kettle's shrill whistle alerted her to pour.
19. The shrill cry of seagulls signaled the approach of the coast.
20. A shrill shout of joy erupted from the winning team.
21. The alarm system's shrill sirens alarmed the neighborhood.
22. The cat's shrill yowling kept everyone awake at night.
23. A shrill shriek of surprise filled the haunted house.
24. The shrill sound of the saxophone pierced the night air.