Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Caterwauling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😾
Add to dictionary

caterwauling

[ˈkætərˌwɔlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

loud noise

Caterwauling refers to a loud and disturbing noise, often resembling the yowling of a cat. It can indicate a state of distress or dissatisfaction. The term is frequently used to describe vocal disturbances that are harsh and unpleasant to hear. Caterwauling can occur in various situations, such as during disputes or when expressing discontent.

Synonyms

howling, wailing, yowling.

Examples of usage

  • The caterwauling of the cats kept me awake all night.
  • The protestors were caterwauling in front of the city hall.
  • I couldn't concentrate with all the caterwauling from the neighbors.
Context #2 | Verb

make noise

To caterwaul means to make a loud, wailing noise, similar to the cries of certain animals. It can also imply a sense of fussiness or a strong emotional outburst. This verb is often used when someone is complaining or expressing their grievances in an audible and disruptive manner.

Synonyms

howl, shriek, yell.

Examples of usage

  • The children were caterwauling when they didn't get their way.
  • The fans began to caterwaul when their team lost.
  • He caterwauled about the unfair treatment he received.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'caterwauling'

The word 'caterwaul' originates from the early 16th century, derived from the word 'cater', which is believed to be a reference to the sound made by a cat in distress. The suffix '-waul' refers to a wailing sound. The combination effectively depicts the harsh and unpleasant noise reminiscent of a cat's cry. Its etymology can be traced back to Middle English, where 'cater' was a dialectal variant of 'cater', meaning to make a noise like a cat. Over the centuries, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of loud, disruptive sounds, retaining its connotation of annoyance and disturbance.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,424, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.