rustle

[ˈrʌsl]

rustle Definition

  • 1to make a soft, muffled sound like the noise of leaves rubbing together
  • 2to move with a soft, whispering or brushing sound
  • 3to steal livestock, especially cattle

Using rustle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rustle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The leaves rustled in the wind.

  • Example

    She rustled the papers on her desk.

  • Example

    He rustled through his backpack looking for his keys.

  • Example

    The thief rustled the cattle from the farm.

rustle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for rustle

Antonyms for rustle

Phrases with rustle

  • to quickly prepare something, especially food

    Example

    I'll go rustle up some breakfast for us.

  • rustle someone's feathers

    to annoy or upset someone

    Example

    His comment about her cooking really rustled her feathers.

  • to search through something quickly and noisily

    Example

    She rustled through her purse looking for her phone.

Origins of rustle

from Middle English 'rustlen', meaning 'to make a noise'

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Summary: rustle in Brief

The verb 'rustle' [ˈrʌsl] describes a soft, muffled sound like leaves rubbing together, or movement with a whispering or brushing sound. It can also mean to steal livestock, especially cattle. Examples include 'The leaves rustled in the wind,' and 'The thief rustled the cattle from the farm.' Phrases include 'rustle up something,' meaning to quickly prepare something, and 'rustle someone's feathers,' meaning to annoy or upset someone.

How do native speakers use this expression?