Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

trill

/tɹɪl/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.73 in modern English

Syllables
trill
IPA
/tɹɪl/
5
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
1
Syllables
4
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A rapid alternation between an indicated note and the one above it as an ornament; in musical notation usually indicated with the letters tr written above the staff.

noun

A type of consonantal sound that is produced by vibrations of the tongue against the place of articulation: for example, Spanish ⟨rr⟩, /r/.

verb

To create a trill sound; to utter trills or a trill; to play or sing in tremulous vibrations of sound; to have a trembling sound; to quaver.

Intransitive verb

verb

To impart the quality of a trill to; to utter as, or with, a trill.

Transitive verb

verb

To trickle.

Intransitive verb; Obsolete

verb

To twirl.

Intransitive verb; Obsolete

adj

True; respected.

Slang

Example Sentences

Etymology

From Middle English trillen, from Italian trillo, trillare. Compare German trillern, Norwegian trille, Swedish trilla.

Origin

Word Breakdown

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /tɹɪl/
  • British English: /tɹɪl/

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce trill?
The recorded pronunciation is /tɹɪl/.
What does trill mean?
A rapid alternation between an indicated note and the one above it as an ornament; in musical notation usually indicated with the letters tr written above the staff.
Where does trill come from?
It is traced to Middle English.

How to pronounce trill

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “trill”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/tɹɪl/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “trill”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “trill” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.