I. ˈtril verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English trillen, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish & Norwegian trilla to roll, Danish trille; akin to Middle Dutch trillen to tremble, vibrate, Middle Low German trīseln to roll, reel, Middle High German trollen to run with short steps, Old English treppan to tread — more at trap
intransitive verb
1. : turn , twirl , roll , revolve
2. : to flow in a small stream or in drops rapidly succeeding each other : trickle
transitive verb
: to cause to flow in a small stream
II. noun
also thrill ˈthril
( -s )
Etymology: trill from Italian trillo, from trillare; thrill alteration (influenced by thrill ) (II) of trill
1.
a. : the alternation of two musical tones a scale degree apart — called also shake
b. : vibrato
c. : a rapid reiteration of the same tone especially on a percussion instrument
2. : a sound felt to resemble a musical trill : warble
the liquid trill of a thrush
3.
a. : the rapid vibration of one speech organ against another (as of the tip of the tongue against the teethridge, the uvula against the back of the tongue, or the lips against each other)
b. : a speech sound so made
c. : a letter or word pronounced with a trill
III. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Italian trillare, probably from Dutch trillen to tremble, vibrate, from Middle Dutch
transitive verb
: to impart the quality of a trill to : utter as or with a trill
trill the r
also : to vibrate, shake, or move to and fro so as to cause a trill
intransitive verb
: to utter a trill : play or sing with a trill : have a trembling sound : quaver