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

rustle up something, rustle someone's feathers, rustle through something

Formal and Informal Expressions of rustle

In different contexts, you can replace 'rustle' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'stir' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'swish, whoosh' is a commonplace synonym.

rustle: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

rustle up something
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.
rustle through something
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.