English Meaning & Definitions
To make a soft, muffled crackling sound like that caused by the movement of dry leaves, paper, or fabric.
- “The dry leaves began to rustle as the wind picked up in the forest.”
- “She rustled through the papers on her desk, looking for the missing contract.”
To steal livestock, especially cattle, horses, or sheep.
- “The outlaws were caught trying to rustle cattle from the neighboring ranch.”
- “Cattle rustling was a serious crime in the Old West.”
A soft, muffled crackling sound.
- “I heard a faint rustle in the bushes and froze in my tracks.”
- “The rustle of her silk dress was the only sound in the quiet room.”
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “rustle”.
Originating in the late 15th century, the word is of imitative (onomatopoeic) origin, intended to represent the sound of dry leaves or paper rubbing together. It is related to the Middle Low German 'russelen' and Middle Dutch 'ruysschen'.
Think of the sound 'rus-rus' made by dry leaves when you walk through them.
Frequently Asked Questions About “rustle”
1. What is the meaning of “rustle” in English?
In English, rustle (verb) is defined as: “To make a soft, muffled crackling sound like that caused by the movement of dry leaves, paper, or fabric.”.
2. How do you use “rustle” in a sentence?
“The dry leaves began to rustle as the wind picked up in the forest.”
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “rustle”?
Originating in the late 15th century, the word is of imitative (onomatopoeic) origin, intended to represent the sound of dry leaves or paper rubbing together. It is related to the Middle Low German 'russelen' and Middle Dutch 'ruysschen'.
🇬🇧More English Words to English
View all English words →A measurement of time indicating an instantaneous occurrence or a state where no time has elapsed.
The base unit of time in the International System of Units (SI), equal to the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the caesium-133 atom.
A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
The cardinal number equal to one thousand million (1,000,000,000), expressed in scientific notation as 10^9.