Purr - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Purr is the soft, vibrating sound made by a contented cat, often when it is relaxed or being petted. It can also describe similar low, rhythmic sounds produced by machinery or engines.
Definition:
The low, vibrating sound a cat makes when content.
Synonyms:
hum, drone, murmur
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
growl, hiss
Common Collocations:
cat purr, engine purr, contented purr
Derivatives:
purring, purred
Usage Tips:
Use "purr" to describe a cat's happy sound or anything resembling it, like an engine running smoothly.
Common Phrases:
purr like a kitten, the engine's purr, purr with delight
Etymology:
Imitative origin, mimicking the sound cats make; first recorded in the early 17th century.
Examples:
- 1. The cat began to purr softly in my lap.
- 2. She smiled as the kitten’s gentle purr filled the room.
- 3. The car’s engine gave a quiet purr as it idled.
- 4. He could hear the distant purr of the refrigerator at night.