What does triller mean?
Triller most commonly denotes a small Old World songbird, especially one of the cuckooshrikes, whose call is described as a clear, repeated trill. In broader use, the word can identify any person or thing that makes a trilling sound, although the bird sense is the established dictionary meaning. A triller is therefore best imagined through sound rather than appearance: the name evokes a rapid alternation between high and low pitches, like the notes of a songbird. In wildlife writing, triller may refer to a pied or white-browed triller, and identification often depends on voice as much as plumage. The word belongs mainly to ornithological and descriptive English and is much more specific than the general words bird or songbird. It is easily confused in spelling with thriller, which names an exciting story or film rather than a bird or trilling thing. Knowing triller adds a precise piece of vocabulary for describing Old World birds and their characteristic calls.
nounA small Old World songbird, especially a member of the cuckooshrike family, noted for its trilling or warbling call. More broadly, anything that produces a trilling sound.
- A small Old World songbird of the cuckooshrike family, characterized by a trilling or warbling call.
- A person, thing, or sound that produces a trill.
"A triller called repeatedly from the dense bamboo."
"After the rain, a triller began calling from the bamboo."
"A clear triller from the unseen bird echoed among the trees."
Used when referring to more than individual birds of this kind.
"The observers recorded several trillers in the wooded valley."
A triller is named for its song: its voice is its defining feature.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does triller come from?
Triller is an English formation created by adding the agent suffix -er to trill, with the resulting word denoting one that trills. The bird name follows the same transparent formation and refers to birds recognized by their trilling calls. The deeper historical origin of trill itself is uncertain, so no more specific linguistic ancestry can be stated confidently.
How triller is actually used
The bird sense is standard in British and American English. In broader descriptive use, the word can refer to anything producing a trilling sound, but it is less common than the basic word trill.
Easily confused with triller
A triller is a bird or other thing that makes a trilling sound, whereas a thriller is a novel, film, or other work designed to excite or suspense the audience.