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What's the word for the sound of leaves rustling in the wind?
The word you're looking for
rustle (opens in new tab) /ˈrʌsəl/
A rustle is a soft, light sound made by dry leaves, paper, or cloth. It fits the sound of leaves moving in the wind very well.
Other words that fit
Use this for a very soft, quiet sound, especially in poetry or nature writing.
This is a literary word for the soft sound of wind in trees or leaves.
Use this for a smooth, moving sound, but it is less exact for leaves than rustle.
Why this word
The most natural word for the sound of leaves moving in the wind is usually rustle. It describes a light, dry, repeated sound, which is very common in English. In poems or descriptive writing, people may also use whisper or sough for a softer, more literary feel. Do not confuse rustle with rattle, which sounds harder and more noisy.
In context
- The wind made the leaves rustle softly.
- I heard a rustle in the trees.
- The rustle of leaves calmed me.
Other concepts to find a word for
Frequently asked questions
- Is rustle only for leaves?
- No. It can also describe soft sounds made by paper, cloth, or grass.
- What is a more poetic word than rustle?
- Whisper or sough can sound more literary in nature writing.
- Is rustling a noun or verb?
- It can be both. A rustle is the noun, and to rustle is the verb.