chirp

From Middle English *chirpen (attested only in the derivative Middle English chirpinge, cyrpynge, chyrypynge (“chirping”). Compare Middle English chirken and chirmen. More at chirk, chirm. Compare also Middle English chirten (“to smack, chirrup”).

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /t͡ʃɜːp/

  • Audio (Southern England):

    (file)

• (US) IPA^(key): /t͡ʃɚp/
• (General Australian) IPA^(key): /t͡ʃɘːp/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)p

chirp (plural chirps)

1. A short, sharp or high note or noise, as of a bird or insect.
2. (radar, sonar, radio telescopy etc.) A pulse of signal whose frequency sweeps through a band of frequencies for the duration of the pulse.

chirp (third-person singular simple present chirps, present participle chirping, simple past and past participle chirped)

1. (intransitive) To make a short, sharp, cheerful note, as of small birds or crickets; to chitter; to twitter.
   • 1886, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 95:

     "Well, I suppose you didn't come out of the egg either before you could chirp," said the woman who was on the egg.

2. (intransitive) To speak in a high-pitched staccato.
3. (transitive, radar, sonar, radio telescopy etc.) To modify (a pulse of signal) so that it sweeps through a band of frequencies throughout its duration.
4. (transitive, obsolete) To cheer up; to make (someone) happier.
5. (Canada) To speak rapid insulting comical banter back and forth; to bicker or argue.
6. (UK, slang, obsolete) To inform on someone; snitch.