Langimage
English

trill

|trill|

B2

/trɪl/

rapid alternation

Etymology
Etymology Information

'trill' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'trillo', where 'trillare' meant 'to quaver or shake'.

Historical Evolution

'trillo' transformed into the English word 'trill' during the 16th century, maintaining its musical connotation.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to quaver or shake in music', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a rapid alternation between two adjacent notes, usually a semitone or tone apart, in music.

The pianist played a beautiful trill in the sonata.

Synonyms

Verb 1

to produce a rapid alternation of sounds, especially in music or bird calls.

The bird trilled a melody from the treetop.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/20 04:52