pipy

A small bird with a pipy call sings from a branch.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having many pipes or tubes: "pipy" describes something that is full of pipes or tubular structures.
   • High-pitched or shrill: "pipy" can also refer to a sound that is thin, high, and piercing, like the sound of a pipe.

Usage Examples

• Having many pipes:

  • The old house had a pipy heating system with exposed ducts throughout the basement. (The system contained numerous pipes or tubes.)

• High-pitched sound:

  • Her pipy voice echoed through the empty hall, making everyone wince. (Her voice was thin and shrill, like a pipe.)

Advanced Usage

• "a pipy tone": a sound that is clear and high-pitched, often used to describe musical notes or voices.
  • The flutist produced a pipy tone that cut through the orchestra. (The tone was sharp and penetrating.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pipe (noun): a tube used to convey liquids, gases, or air; also a musical instrument.

  • The plumber fixed the broken pipe. (A cylindrical tube.)

• Piping (noun/adjective): the system of pipes in a building; also a high-pitched sound.

  • The piping in the walls was old and rusty. (The network of pipes.)

Synonyms

• Tubular: shaped like or consisting of a tube.
• Shrill: high-pitched and piercing in sound.
• Reedy: thin and high in tone, like a reed instrument.

Related Idioms

• "Pipe down": to become quiet or less noisy.

  • The teacher told the class to pipe down. (To stop making noise.)

• "Pipe up": to begin to speak, especially in a sudden or forceful way.

  • He piped up with an answer before the question was finished. (He spoke up quickly.)