rustle

Meaning

Noun

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

Verb

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

Synonyms

rustling

whisper

murmur

swish

crackle

make a noise

lift

crinkle

noise

steal livestock

buzz

clink

drone

flutter

hiss

noisy

rattle

rob

rumble

sound

🔉

steal

stir

whispering

whiz

astir

mutter

cop

👮

bustle

pinch

pitter-patter

purloin

rash

make a rustling sound

relieve

ring

💍

crimkle

be noisy

rush

chink

sigh

sough

budge

spat

squeak

susurrate

sway in the wind

strip

sway

chatter

thieve

tinkle

be astir

crunch

tremble

waver

growl

gurgle

help

whirr

jangle

crinkling

loose

make noise

moving

creak

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɹʌsəl/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: rustelen

Inherited from Old English: hrūxlian

Cognate with Scots: reesle

Cognate with Western Frisian: risselje

Cognate with Dutch: ritselen

Cognate with German: rascheln

In summary

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”).