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skirl

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /skɪrl/

KK: /skɪrl/

intransitive verb
Definition

To make a high, sharp, wailing sound, often associated with bagpipes.


Example

The bagpiper began to skirl, filling the air with a haunting melody.


Tense Forms

Past: skirled

Past Participle: skirled


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear the bagpipes at the festival yesterday?
Sloth B
Yeah, they really made a great sound when they skirl in the open air.
Sloth A
It was so cool! I love how they can produce such a unique tone.
Sloth B
Absolutely, the skirl of the pipes always gives me chills.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
wail
shriek
scream
Antonyms
muffle
silence
quiet
noun
Definition

A high, shrill sound, especially one made by a bagpipe or a similar instrument.


Example

The skirl of the bagpipes filled the air during the celebration.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that skirl coming from the bagpipes at the park?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was really loud and kind of haunting!
Sloth A
I love the way the skirl fills the air during festivals.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To play music on bagpipes, producing a high-pitched sound.


Example

The musician began to skirl a lively tune on the bagpipes during the festival.


Tense Forms

Past: skirled

Past Participle: skirled


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear that guy skirl his bagpipes at the festival yesterday?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was amazing! I love the sound of bagpipes.
Sloth A
I wish I could skirl like that, it seems so fun.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

The word 'skirl' originates from Scots, meaning to cry out or shriek, particularly in reference to the sound made by a bagpipe. It is derived from the Old Norse word 'skirra', meaning to cry or scream. The term captures the essence of a high-pitched, piercing sound.

Memory Tip

Imagine the sharp, high-pitched sound of a bagpipe that 'cries out' — that's what 'skirl' means.

Visually Confused Words
skil
swirl
snirl
skill
skier
skair
shirl
Is this page helpful?
Same here! It always brings back such great memories.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
wail
shriek
scream
Antonyms
silence
muffle
quiet
You should take lessons! It would be a cool skill to have.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pipe
toot
blare
Antonyms
muffle
silence
dampen