adjective / verb

shrill

SHRIL/ʃrɪl/

Having or producing a piercing, high-pitched sound.

The kettle's shrill whistle makes the woman plug her ears.

A whistling stovetop kettle releases a narrow jet of steam while a nearby woman winces and plugs her ears, making the piercing quality of its high whistle visible through a recognizable sound source and physical reaction.

Etymology

shrillMiddle Englishhigh-pitched, sharp and piercing

Middle English schrylle already described a sharp, piercing sound. Its imitative origin and probable connection with Old English scralletan, “to sound loudly,” tie the word to the noise it describes.

In context

Storytime Haven98:03

The high pitch of Mrs. Pendleton's voice shattered the quietude like the startling clang of an unexpected bell. "Knock again, Thalassa, more loudly, very loudly," she cried, in the shrill accents of tightened nerves.

🌑 The Moon Rock 🌒 | A Haunting Tale of Mystery and Ambition by Arthur J. Rees

More examples

The smoke alarm shrills whenever I burn the toast.
Her shrill laugh makes everyone turn around.
The brakes let out a shrill squeal.

Forms

shrill · shriller · shrillest · shrills · shrilled · shrilling

shrilly adverb — In a piercing, high-pitched voice or tone.

shrillness noun — The quality of being piercing and high-pitched.

Similar words

piercing: Emphasizes sharp intensity, not necessarily a high pitch.
squeaky: Suggests a thin, high sound, often brief or repeated.
high-pitched: Describes a high tone without necessarily suggesting harshness.