Origin of rustle

1350–1400; Middle English rustlen (v.); compare Frisian russelje, Dutch ridselen; of imitative orig.

OTHER WORDS FROM rustle

rus·tling·ly, adverb un·rus·tling, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for rustle

British Dictionary definitions for rustle (1 of 2)

rustle 1
/ (ˈrʌsəl) /

verb

to make or cause to make a low crisp whispering or rubbing sound, as of dry leaves or paper
to move with such a sound

noun

such a sound or sounds

Derived forms of rustle

rustling, adjective, noun rustlingly, adverb

Word Origin for rustle

Old English hrūxlian; related to Gothic hrukjan to crow ², Old Norse hraukr raven, crow 1

British Dictionary definitions for rustle (2 of 2)

rustle 2
/ (ˈrʌsəl) /

verb

mainly US and Canadian to steal (cattle, horses, etc)
US and Canadian informal to move swiftly and energetically

Word Origin for rustle

C19: probably special use of rustle 1 (in the sense: to move with quiet sound)