whistling

6 definitions • 12 examples

present participle of

to make a high sound by forcing air through a small hole or passage, especially through the lips, or through a special device held to the lips:

He whistled as he worked.

whistle at On the days when she wore a skirt the men on the building site would whistle at her.

Someone was whistling Beatles tunes outside my window.

The referee whistled and the game was over.

to move quickly through or past something, especially in a way that makes a long, high sound:

whistle through She heard the wind whistling through the trees and the howl of a distant wolf.

whistle past I stepped out of the building and immediately a bullet whistled past my head.

The ball whistled past the goalkeeper before he could even think about moving.

When birds whistle, they sing in high musical notes:

The birds were whistling in the early morning quiet.

In team sports, if a referee whistles, they blow a whistle to signal to the players, for example because a rule has been broken or to stop or start play:

whistle for The referee whistled for a penalty early in the second half

The referee, much to the fans' relief, rightly whistled for a free-kick.

In team sports, if a referee whistles a player, they blow a whistle to signal a foul (= an action that is against the rules):

be whistled for Jordan was whistled for an offensive foul.

Referees started whistling defenders who hand-check attacking players above the free throw line.