What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cluck
Example
The chickens clucked happily as they pecked at the ground. [cluck: verb]
Example
She let out a disapproving cluck when she saw the mess in the kitchen. [cluck: noun]
chirp
Example
The birds chirped merrily in the trees. [chirp: verb]
Example
I woke up to the cheerful chirping of birds outside my window. [chirping: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chirp is more commonly used than cluck in everyday language. Chirp is a versatile word that can be used to describe the sound made by various small birds and can also be used metaphorically to describe other high-pitched sounds. On the other hand, cluck is less common and is mainly used to describe the sound made by chickens or hens.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cluck and chirp?
Both cluck and chirp are relatively informal words. However, chirp can be used in a wider range of contexts and can be employed in both formal and informal situations, while cluck is more specific to casual or colloquial conversations about chickens or hens.
