English Explanatory Dictionary

rustle

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A soft crackling sound similar to the movement of dry leaves.
  2. A movement producing such a sound.
verb
  1. To move (something) with a soft crackling sound.
  2. To make or obtain in a lively, energetic way.
  3. To steal (cattle or other livestock).

Pronunciation

/ˈɹʌsəl/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-rustle.wav

Word forms

rustle rustles rustling rustled

Etymology

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”).

Synonyms

rustle up

Related words

abigeat

Derived words

rustle time arustle rustler rustle someone's jim-jams rustle someone's jimmies rustle up rustlingly rustly unrustling
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