1A general term for wind instruments played by blowing air through them — covers everything from Japanese instruments like the shakuhachi to Western instruments like the flute and recorder.
祭りでは笛と太鼓の音が町中に響く。
During the festival, the sound of flutes and drums echoes through the town.
小学校では音楽の授業で笛を習う。
In elementary school, students learn to play the recorder in music class.
彼女は毎晩、庭で笛の練習をしている。
She practices the flute in the garden every evening.
2A device blown to produce a sharp, piercing sound — used to signal or get attention, such as a referee's whistle.
先生が笛を吹いて生徒たちを集めた。
The teacher blew a whistle to gather the students.
警察官は笛を鳴らして車を止めた。
The police officer blew a whistle to stop the car.