Caterwaul
verb
To make a high, unpleasant, and loud noise like a cat in heat.
The stray cats in the back alley caterwauled all night long.
Often appears as...
- cats caterwaul
- cats caterwaul at night
verb
To argue or fight loudly and violently.
The two students were caterwauling in the hall, disrupting the class.
Often appears as...
- caterwaul about something
- caterwaul in public
Usage tips
Informal
noun
A high, unpleasant, and loud noise like a cat in heat.
In the quiet night, a sudden caterwaul broke the silence.
Often appears as...
- hear a caterwaul
- a loud caterwaul
verb
To make a high, unpleasant, and loud noise like a cat in heat.
The stray cats in the back alley caterwauled all night long.
Often appears as...
- cats caterwaul
- cats caterwaul at night
verb
To argue or fight loudly and violently.
The two students were caterwauling in the hall, disrupting the class.
Often appears as...
- caterwaul about something
- caterwaul in public
Usage tips
Informal
noun
A high, unpleasant, and loud noise like a cat in heat.
In the quiet night, a sudden caterwaul broke the silence.
Often appears as...
- hear a caterwaul
- a loud caterwaul
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Animal Noise
Used to describe sounds from animals, not humans. It suggests a disturbing, continuous noise.
The neighborhood dogs joined the caterwaul, creating a noisy chorus.
Pro Tip 2/3Nighttime Disruption
Often associated with the disturbing sounds at night, hinting at a lack of sleep or peace.
The caterwauling outside made it impossible for me to get any rest.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Emotion
Implies annoyance and frustration for the listener, not a pleasant sound.
Everyone's mood soured thanks to the caterwaul from the park.
Pro Tip 1/3Animal Noise
Used to describe sounds from animals, not humans. It suggests a disturbing, continuous noise.
The neighborhood dogs joined the caterwaul, creating a noisy chorus.
Pro Tip 2/3Nighttime Disruption
Often associated with the disturbing sounds at night, hinting at a lack of sleep or peace.
The caterwauling outside made it impossible for me to get any rest.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Emotion
Implies annoyance and frustration for the listener, not a pleasant sound.
Everyone's mood soured thanks to the caterwaul from the park.
Pro Tip 1/3Animal Noise
Used to describe sounds from animals, not humans. It suggests a disturbing, continuous noise.
The neighborhood dogs joined the caterwaul, creating a noisy chorus.
Pro Tip 2/3Nighttime Disruption
Often associated with the disturbing sounds at night, hinting at a lack of sleep or peace.
The caterwauling outside made it impossible for me to get any rest.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Emotion
Implies annoyance and frustration for the listener, not a pleasant sound.
Everyone's mood soured thanks to the caterwaul from the park.
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Quote examples
Kurt Elling
American Musician
I was very lucky that more experienced musicians allowed me to caterwaul until I figured out what it was really about.
Quote examples
Kurt Elling
American Musician
I was very lucky that more experienced musicians allowed me to caterwaul until I figured out what it was really about.
Example 1 of 1
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