ululation

[ uhl-yuh-ley-shuhn, yool- ]

noun

1. a long, high-pitched trilling sound resembling a howl, or the act of making such a sound, as to express grief or joy or as part of a musical performance:

   I particularly liked how her sharp ululation, like a battle cry, punctuated one of the songs on the album.

2. the howling of a dog or wolf, or the hooting of an owl:

   A low moan rose swiftly to a high and mournful ululation as the wolf serenaded the round, perfect moon.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ululation¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin ululātiōn-, stem of ululātiō, equivalent to ululāt(us) + -iō -ion ( def ); ululate ( def )

Example Sentences

A speaker who toasted his hope of celebrating next year’s Christmas in Jerusalem in a “free Palestine” prompted ululations.

From Seattle Times

American fusion dancers use the facial markings of Indigenous North African tribes and traditional high-pitched ululations.

From New York Times

Her style here can seem of a piece with industrial and death metal music of the period, but then suddenly swerves into folk keening and ululation.

From New York Times

Eventually, as guitar and muted trumpet intensified with ululations and drums, he shared his thoughts about the meaning of “we” and everyone’s complicity in injustice.

From New York Times

You could hear Philip Glass’s “Music in 12 Parts” at Leo Castelli Gallery, or Meredith Monk’s a cappella ululations at the Walker Art Center.

From New York Times