Meaning
A short, sharp or high note or noise, as of a bird or insect.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
From Middle English *chirpen (attested only in the derivative Middle English chirpinge, cyrpynge, chyrypynge (“chirping”). Compare Middle English chirken and chirmen. More at chirk, chirm. Compare also Middle English chirten (“to smack, chirrup”). Compare German zirpen and Dutch tjirpen.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles: