chirp

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English

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Etymology

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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”).

Pronunciation

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Noun

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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.

Derived terms

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Translations

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Verb

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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.
  6. (UK, slang, obsolete) To inform on someone; snitch.

Derived terms

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Translations

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