tin whistle

noun

plural tin whistles
: a small fipple flute

called also penny whistle

Examples of tin whistle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Young musicians play the fiddle and the tin whistle during a traditional session at Teach Hiúdaí Beag. Saki Knafo, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2024 Rua started playing music in primary school, initially with the tin whistle and then guitar. Karen Bliss, Billboard, 21 Mar. 2024 After MacGowan’s 1991 firing, Stacy, who played tin whistle, became the band’s lead singer for two final albums that retained the Pogues sound and spirit, but lacked some of the fire and charisma of classic lineup. Al Shipley, SPIN, 30 Nov. 2023 Yet the verses seem to flow almost as a subversive exercise, Shane sneaking his nasty vignettes behind Spider Stacy’s chipper tin whistle. Geoff Edgers, Washington Post, 30 Nov. 2023 Born in Glasgow but rooted in Ireland’s Donegal, this trio of sisters — Anna, Sheila, and Claire, variously playing flute, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, and fiddle, all singing and harmonizing together as only siblings can — have begun making a mark in the world of Irish traditional music. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 30 Aug. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1740, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tin whistle was circa 1740

Dictionary Entries Near tin whistle

Cite this Entry

“Tin whistle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tin%20whistle. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!