Warbles

/ˈwɔːrbəlz/ verb

Definition

Sings with a trilling or rolling sound, especially in a melodic but not perfectly smooth way.

Etymology

From Old French 'werbler,' related to Germanic words meaning 'to turn or roll.' The term originally described the rolling trill of bird song, then became used for human singing that mimics that quality.

Kelly Says

Birds and humans both 'warble' in similar ways—it's one of those words where the human behavior literally copies animal behavior, which is why opera singers and birds can both be described the same way!

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