rustlings
Leaves barely moving
Rustlings are soft, whispering sounds made by things brushing together—dry leaves underfoot, fabric shifting, papers being shuffled: She heard rustlings in the bushes.
The word often suggests furtive movement or the presence of something unseen: Strange rustlings came from the attic.
Speech without full voice
- murmurSoft, indistinct continuous sound
- susurrationSoft whispering noise
- swishSoft rushing sound
- crinkleSmall fold or rustle
crackle · shuffle · stir · flutter · patter · scratch · scrape · hiss
Plant's leafy covering
- underbrushDense low forest vegetation
- fallen leavesDropped deciduous foliage
- dry leavesDesiccated tree debris
- leaf litterDecomposing ground debris
deciduous · canopy · forest floor · autumn leaves · shrubbery · vegetation · wind-blown · scattered
Small gnawing mammals
- squirrelsBushy-tailed nut gatherers
- birdsEgg-laying flying vertebrates
- snakesElongated limbless reptiles
- lizardsSmall scaly reptiles
insects · creatures · critters · foraging · scurrying · nesting · burrowing · undergrowth
whisper
Speech without full voice
- murmurSoft, indistinct continuous sound
- susurrationSoft whispering noise
- swishSoft rushing sound
crinkle · crackle · shuffle · stir · flutter · patter · scratch · scrape · hiss · swoosh
foliage
Plant's leafy covering
- underbrushDense low forest vegetation
- fallen leavesDropped deciduous foliage
- dry leavesDesiccated tree debris
leaf litter · deciduous · canopy · forest floor · autumn leaves · shrubbery · vegetation · wind-blown · scattered · crisp
mice
Small gnawing mammals
- squirrelsBushy-tailed nut gatherers
- birdsEgg-laying flying vertebrates
- snakesElongated limbless reptiles
lizards · insects · creatures · critters · foraging · scurrying · nesting · burrowing · undergrowth · nocturnal
silk
Fine woven insect fiber
- taffetaSmooth, lustrous woven cloth
- satinGlossy-surfaced woven cloth
- crinolineStructural petticoat for volume
petticoat · gown · dress · sheets · curtains · drapes · clothing · garments · skirts · sleeves
whispers
Speaks very quietly
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
- plottingDevising a secret plan
scheming · covert · clandestine · furtive · stealthy · hidden · concealed · murmurs · rumors · gossip
- murmurswhispers, mutterings, hushed tones, susurrations, sotto voce
rustlingssilence
Total lack of sound
quiet · stillness · hush · soundlessness · muteness
- rustling leavesFoliage stirred by wind
- cattle rustlingStealing livestock, especially cows
- paper rustlingSound of sheets moving