Sifflet (en. Whistle)

/sif.lɛ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A small pierced tube, used to produce sound by blowing.
He used a whistle to attract the players' attention.
Il a utilisé un sifflet pour attirer l'attention des joueurs.
A wind musical instrument, often using breath.
The whistle is often used during sports matches.
Le sifflet est souvent utilisé lors des matchs de sport.

Etymology

Origin of the old French 'siflét', itself derived from the verb 'siffler'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to put a whistle on a train
To slow down or stop something.
mettre un sifflet à un train
to whistle like a whistle
To be very bold or noisy.
siffler comme un sifflet

Related Words

to whistle
To produce a high-pitched sound by blowing.
siffler
whistler
A person who makes a whistle sound.
siffleur

Slang Meanings

To have a beautiful voice.
He sings like a whistle.
Il chante comme un sifflet.
To mock someone.
When he made a mistake, they whistled at him.
Quand il a fait une faute, on lui a sifflé.