ululate

[ uhl-yuh-leyt, yool- ]

verb (used without object)

, ul·u·lat·ed, ul·u·lat·ing.

1. to howl, as a coyote or wolf, or to hoot, as an owl.
2. to utter a loud, long, high-pitched, trilling sound that resembles a howl, especially to express grief or joy:

   the Middle Eastern custom of ululating at weddings and funerals.

3. to lament loudly and shrilly.

ululate

/ ˈjuːljʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. intr to howl or wail, as with grief

Derived Forms

• ˈululant, adjective
• ˌuluˈlation, noun

Other Words From

• ul·u·la·tion [uhl-y, uh, -, ley, -sh, uh, n, yool-], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ululate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin ululātus, past participle of ululāre “to howl, shriek,” of imitative origin; akin to Greek hylân, ololýzein “to howl, wail,” Sanskrit ululí- “howling”; -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ululate¹

C17: from Latin ululāre to howl, from ulula screech owl

Example Sentences

Crowds gathered at the hospital, cheering and ululating to celebrate.

From BBC

Ms. Jeilaniy’s mother called out to the townspeople, ululating three times and drumming on a plastic tray turned upside down.

From New York Times

The crowd sang, drummed and ululated as Francis entered the dusty area.

From Reuters

In Qatar, hundreds of elated fans clad in green and red outside Al Thumama Stadium celebrated Morocco’s win, chanting, ululating, banging on drums and waving the national flag.

From Seattle Times

“I feel like I am in Morocco!” said Ibrahim Boutahar, a Moroccan fan who lives in Doha and joined the dancing, chanting and ululating crowd.

From Seattle Times