Sports / A2

WISL/ˈwɪsl/

A whistle is a high sound or the small device that makes it: blow a whistle, a referee’s whistle, a train whistle. Whistle can also be a verb (whistle a tune). Shout uses the voice, not a device. Do not write whistle for thistle (a plant) or for whisper.

Meaning

A small device, or a high sound, used to get attention.

Examples

• “The referee blew the whistle at full time.”
• “A whistle marked the start of the race.”
• “He wore a whistle on a string at the pool.”

Good to know

blow a whistle / a referee’s whistle. Also a verb: whistle a tune. Mix-up: thistle (plant).

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