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

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

From Science Magazine

“That woman with the voice like the cawing of a crow and those shoulders like sides of beef?”

From Literature

After chatting and cawing — Fix is losing his ability to speak — they become friendly.

From New York Times

A swarm of black ravens swarmed the space, their caws deafening.

From Literature

Related Words

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