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rustle

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /ˈrʌsəl/

KK: /ˈrʌsəl/

intransitive verb
Definition

To make a soft, light sound by moving or stirring something, often associated with leaves or paper.


Example

The leaves began to rustle in the gentle breeze.


Tense Forms

Past: rustled

Past Participle: rustled


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that rustle in the bushes?
Sloth B
Yeah, it sounded like something was moving around.
Sloth A
I wonder if it’s just the wind or maybe an animal.
Sloth B
Could be! I always love the sounds of nature.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
flutter
hustle
scurry
Antonyms
linger
slow
tarry
noun
Definition

A series of soft, quick sounds made by things moving or being disturbed, like leaves or paper.


Example

I heard the rustle of leaves as the wind blew through the trees.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that rustle in the bushes?
Sloth B
Yeah, it sounded like something was moving around.
Sloth A
I wonder if it's just the wind or maybe a small animal.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To make a soft, light sound by moving or causing something to move, often used to describe the sound of leaves or paper.


Example

The wind began to rustle the leaves in the trees.


Tense Forms

Past: rustled

Past Participle: rustled


Conversation
Sloth A
I heard you managed to rustle up some dinner last night.
Sloth B
Yeah, I just threw together whatever was in the fridge.
Sloth A
Nice! I could really use some tips on how to rustle up meals quickly.
Root Explanation

Rustle originates from Middle English 'rustlen', which is imitative of the sound made by leaves or paper moving. The word captures the essence of a soft, rustling sound, often associated with movement in nature.

Memory Tip

Imagine the gentle sound of leaves moving in the wind — that's what 'rustle' describes.

Visually Confused Words
trustle
brustle
arustle
frustule
rutile
rastle
hustle
fustle
Is this page helpful?
It could be, but it definitely caught my attention.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
crackle
whisper
murmur
Antonyms
silence
calm
stillness
Sloth B
I can show you! It's all about using what you have on hand.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
gather
procure
snatch
Antonyms
return
give
lose