rustle

Etymology

From Middle English rustelen, russelen, of uncertain origin, but probably from Old English hrūxlian, hristlan, hrystlan, hristlian (“to make a noise”). Compare also Scots reesle (“to crackle; rattle; rustle”), West Frisian risselje, Dutch ritselen (“to rustle”), German rascheln (“to rustle”).

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ʌsəl
• Homophones: russell, Russell

Noun

rustle (plural rustles)

1. A soft crackling sound similar to the movement of dry leaves.
   • 1994, Stephen Fry, The Hippopotamus Chapter 2

     He heard the silken rustle of a dressing-gown being drawn on.

Verb

rustle (third-person singular simple present rustles, present participle rustling, simple past and past participle rustled)

1. (ergative) To move (something) with a soft crackling sound.
   • 1877, Anna Sewell, Black Beauty Chapter 22

     The next day at three o'clock we were again at the door, and the footmen as before; we heard the silk dress rustle, and the lady came down the steps and in an imperious voice, she said, "York, you must put those horses' heads higher, they are not fit to be seen."

2. (transitive) To make or obtain in a lively, energetic way.

   rustle some food

   rustle up some food

3. (transitive) To steal (cattle or other livestock).

Derived terms

• rustler
• rustle up

See also

• abigeat

Anagrams

• Ulster, lurest, luster, lustre, luters, result, rulest, sutler, truels, ulster