different between chirp vs chitter

English

Etymology

From Middle English *chirpen (attested only in the derivative Middle English chirpinge, cyrpynge, chyrypynge (“chirping”). Compare Middle English chirken and chirmen. More at chirk, chirm. Compare also Middle English chirten (“to smack, chirrup”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /t???(?)p/
• Rhymes: -??(r)p

Noun

chirp (plural chirps)

1. A short, sharp or high note or noise, as of a bird or insect.
2. (radar, sonar, radio telescopy etc.) A pulse of signal whose frequency sweeps through a band of frequencies for the duration of the pulse.

Derived terms

• downchirp
• upchirp

Translations

Verb

chirp (third-person singular simple present chirps, present participle chirping, simple past and past participle chirped)

1. (intransitive) To make a short, sharp, cheerful note, as of small birds or crickets.
2. (intransitive) To speak in a high-pitched staccato.
3. (transitive, radar, sonar, radio telescopy etc.) To modify (a pulse of signal) so that it sweeps through a band of frequencies throughout its duration.
4. (transitive, obsolete) To cheer up; to make (someone) happier.
5. (Canada) To speak rapid insulting comical banter back and forth.

Derived terms

• chirping cup

Translations

English

Etymology 1

From Middle English chiteren, chitren, cheteren.

Verb

chitter (third-person singular simple present chitters, present participle chittering, simple past and past participle chittered)

1. To make a series of high-pitched sounds; to twitter, chirp or chatter.

   It was a beautifully sunny day and beetles could be heard chittering loudly in the rose garden by the side of the path made out of antique bricks.

2. (obsolete, Scotland) To shiver or chatter with cold.

Etymology 2

Noun

chitter (plural chitters)

1. (dialect) Alternative form of chitterling

References

• “chitter” in the Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, 1974 edition.