caw

[ kaw ]

noun

1. the harsh, grating cry of the crow, raven, etc.

verb (used without object)

1. to utter this cry or a similar sound.

caw

¹

/ kɔː /

noun

1. the cry of a crow, rook, or raven

verb

1. intr to make this cry

CAW

²

abbreviation for

1. Canadian Auto Workers (trade union)

Word History and Origins

Origin of caw¹

First recorded in 1580–90; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of caw¹

C16: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

And yet I was surprised recently when a routine phone call to ask Mr. Kennedy for comment about another article was interrupted by a loud “caw” at the other end of the line.

From New York Times

Raising his head, he shouted: “Caw! Caw!”

From New York Times

Carrion crows can count out loud, effectively calling “one, two, three” as they caw, researchers report today in Science.

From Science Magazine

For example, it said the delivery of the Drumahoe to Caw section of the A6 will "depend on a range of factors, including future budget settlements".

From BBC

“My drawing with watercolor markers. A common visitor to my backyard, where they loudly caw each morning if I am late with the daily in-shell peanut allotment.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• bellow
• call
• cheer
• clamor
• exclamation
• holler
• howl
• outcry
• roar
• scream
• shout
• shriek
• uproar
• yawp
• yell
• yelp