French Conversation · Level 160
30 words
French word
sifflement
Pronunciation
IPA/sifləmɑ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounwhistling
Example
Le sifflement du vent me dérange.
The whistling of the wind bothers me.
More examples
J'ai un sifflement dans l'oreille ce matin.
I have a whistling sound in my ear this morning.
Core concept
Air forced through a small opening produces a high whistle that can come from wind, lips, or machinery.
Common phrases
un sifflement dans l'oreille
a whistling sound in the ear
un sifflement prolongé
a prolonged whistling sound
Similar words
bruit: A sound produced by something.
sifflet: A small instrument that makes a sound when blown.
souffle: The movement of breath or wind.
murmure: A soft, continuous sound like a whisper.
Definition in French
Désigne un son aigu et continu produit par le passage de l'air, souvent entendu quand le vent souffle ou quand quelqu'un siffle.
Word origin
French derives sifflement from the verb siffler by adding -ment, and siffler is an imitative word for a whistling sound.
Usage tips
- Sifflement names the sound, siffler names the action, and sifflet commonly names a whistle or whistle-like object.