Caterwaul - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Caterwaul means to make a harsh, shrill noise, like the loud wailing of a cat. It can also describe any similarly unpleasant, discordant sound or noisy complaint.
Definition:
To make a shrill, wailing noise like a cat in heat or distress.
Synonyms:
yowl, screech, howl, wail
Part of Speech:
verb, noun
Antonyms:
silence, whisper
Common Collocations:
loud caterwaul, night caterwaul, feline caterwaul
Derivatives:
caterwauling (n.), caterwauler (n.)
Usage Tips:
Use "caterwaul" to describe harsh, high-pitched noises, especially from cats or similar sounds by people or objects.
Common Phrases:
caterwaul of cats, midnight caterwaul, drunken caterwaul
Etymology:
From Middle English "caterwawen," combining "cat" + "wawen" (to wail), imitating the sound of a cat's cry.
Examples:
- 1. The stray cats began to caterwaul loudly outside my window last night.
- 2. Her singing sounded more like a caterwaul than a melody.
- 3. The old hinges would caterwaul every time the door opened.
- 4. He woke up to the eerie caterwaul of foxes in the woods.