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Added 10 October 2026

rustle

/ˈɹʌsəl/ noun

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about rustle at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A soft crackling sound similar to the movement of dry leaves.
A movement producing such a sound.

verb

To move (something) with a soft crackling sound.
To make or obtain in a lively, energetic way.
To steal (cattle or other livestock).

Origin

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”), Afrikaans ritsel (“to rustle”), German rascheln (“to rustle”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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