I. ˈshril, especially Southern ˈsril verb
Etymology: Middle English; probably akin to Old English scrallettan to resound loudly — more at skirl
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
: scream
intransitive verb
: to utter or emit an acute piercing sound
II. adjective
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : having or emitting a sharp high-pitched tone or sound : piercing
b. : accompanied by sharp high-pitched sounds or cries
shrill gaiety
2. : having a sharp or vivid effect on the senses
shrill light
3. : strident , intemperate
shrill anger
shrill criticism
• shrill adverb
• shrill·ness noun
• shril·ly ˈshril-lē, especially Southern ˈsril- adverb
III. noun
Date: 1589
: a shrill sound
the shrill of the ship's whistle