caterwaul

[ kat-er-wawl ]

verb (used without object)

1. to utter long wailing cries, as cats in rutting time.
2. to utter a similar sound; howl or screech.

   Synonyms: yowl, squawk, shriek, wail

3. to quarrel like cats.

noun

1. the cry of a cat in rutting time.
2. any similar sound.

caterwaul

/ ˈkætəˌwɔːl /

verb

1. to make a yowling noise, as a cat on heat

noun

1. a shriek or yell made by or sounding like a cat on heat

Derived Forms

• ˈcaterˌwauler, noun

Other Words From

• cater·wauler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of caterwaul¹

1350–1400; Middle English cater ( wawen ) (equivalent to cater tomcat (< Middle Dutch ) + wawen to howl, Old English wāwan to blow, said of the wind) + waul, variant of wail

Word History and Origins

Origin of caterwaul¹

C14: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

As Hogan documents, Vance caterwauled about everything, from TV shows being "woke" to — always — "cat ladies."

From Salon

Trump's caterwauling and lies are reaching unbearable decibels.

From Salon

He heard the thud as she struck the ground, and her crazy caterwauling as she shot off in utter confusion.

From Literature

Instead, Trump’s supporters emit constant catcalls, boos and their own favorite profanities, in approving response to his nonstop caterwauling.

From Los Angeles Times

Even the Pokémon noises are gently mellowed out in contrast to the coarser, more caterwauling sounds of the games; here the creatures purr, cry, coo and sigh like docile house pets.

From New York Times