rustles

Rustles are sounds produced by the gentle friction of dry, lightweight materials rubbing together. This can include leaves, paper, fabric, or other similar substances. The sound is typically soft and intermittent, characterized by a series of small, shuffling noises. The specific quality of a rustle can vary depending on the material producing it and the intensity of the movement. For instance, dry leaves in a gentle breeze will create a different rustle than the sound of someone turning pages in a book.

These sounds are often associated with natural environments, such as forests or gardens, where wind interacting with vegetation is a common source of rustling. In literature and storytelling, rustles can be used to evoke a sense of quietude, mystery, or apprehension, depending on the context. The perception of a rustle can also be influenced by the listener's expectations and their surrounding environment. A rustle in a quiet room might be more noticeable than the same sound in a noisy public space. The term itself is onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound it describes.