Skirl

Definition

Skirl can function as a noun meaning the shrill, wailing sound made by bagpipes; as a verb, it means to play the bagpipes, producing their characteristic high-pitched tone.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (intransitive)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /skɜːrl/
• Respelling: SKURL

British English

• IPA: /skɜːl/
• Respelling: SKURL

Etymology

Late 18th century Scots: from skirl ‘shrill cry,’ imitative of the piercing sound of bagpipes.

Derivatives

• skirler (noun) – one who skirls (plays the bagpipes)
• skirling (noun/gerund)

Synonyms

• wail
• shriek
• shrill
• blare

Antonyms

• silence
• hush
• muffle

Usage

Noun: The noun "skirl" is used in musical and cultural contexts to refer to the distinctive, piercing tone of bagpipes. For example, "The skirl of the pipes announced the start of the ceremony."

Verb: As a verb, "to skirl" means to perform on the bagpipes, producing their high-pitched sound. For example, "He skirled the pipes with practiced precision."

Related Terms

• Bagpipe: A wind instrument using enclosed reeds fed from a constant reservoir of air in a bag.
• Drone: A continuous low-pitched note sounded by some of the pipes.
• Chanter: The melody pipe of the bagpipe.
• Pibroch: A classical form of Scottish bagpipe music.
• Piobaireachd: The classical music of the Highland bagpipe, characterized by a theme and variations.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The shrill, wailing sound made by bagpipes – a high‑pitched, piercing tone characteristic of the instrument.
  • Example: "The skirl of the bagpipes echoed across the glen."

Verb

• To play the bagpipes, producing their characteristic high‑pitched tone – to perform a skirl on the pipes.
  • Example: "At sunset, the piper skirled the lament for the fallen."