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Definition of rustle

rustle

/ˈrʌs.əl/
rus · tle
Plural:rustles
•
Adjective:rustling
•
Past Simple:rustled
•
Past Participle:rustled
•
Present Participle:rustling
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rustle Lexical Profile

rustle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make a soft, muffled crackling sound like that caused by the movement of dry leaves or paper, or to cause something to make such a sound.

Example

"The autumn breeze began to rustle the dry oak leaves scattered across the lawn."

2

North American To steal livestock, especially cattle or horses, from a ranch or pasture.

Example

"Outlaws in the nineteenth century would frequently rustle cattle from unguarded frontier ranges."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for rustle

• noun

1

A soft, muffled crackling sound like that made by the movement of dry leaves, paper, or silk.

Example

"A sudden rustle in the bushes alerted the hikers to the presence of a deer."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for rustle

• Rhymes for rustle

• Nearby Words

rustic
rustily
rustiness
rustle
rustler
rustless
rustling

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'rustlen', likely of imitative origin and related to Germanic words denoting a soft, whispering sound or rapid movement.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rustle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rustle
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