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Cooing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ
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cooing

[kuหษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

lovingly

To make a soft murmuring sound, as a pigeon or dove. It is often used to describe the sound made by a contented baby.

Synonyms

croon, murmur, purr.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cooing

Typically used to describe a soft, gentle sound made by pigeons or doves, or metaphorically for similar soft, affectionate baby talk or sounds.

  • The mother was cooing to her baby to calm him down
  • The pigeons were cooing softly on the rooftop
murmur

Describes a low, indistinct, continuous sound, often used for quiet conversations, the sound of a crowd, or natural sounds like a brook.

  • She could hear the murmur of voices from the next room
  • The students were murmuring amongst themselves during the lecture
croon

Often refers to singing or speaking in a soft, low voice, usually used in a romantic or sentimental context.

  • He would croon love songs to her every night
  • The singer crooned a gentle lullaby to the audience
purr

Associated with the low, vibrating sound that cats make to show contentment, can also describe a soft, contented human voice, often in a metaphorical sense.

  • The cat purred contentedly on her lap
  • He purred compliments into her ear all evening

Examples of usage

  • The baby was cooing softly in her mother's arms.
  • The doves cooed in the trees outside the window.
Context #2 | Noun

sound

A soft murmuring sound made by pigeons, doves, or contented babies.

Synonyms

croon, murmur, purr.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cooing

Often refers to the soft, gentle sounds made by babies or doves. It implies a tender and soothing tone, usually related to affection.

  • The baby was cooing in her mother's arms
  • The doves were cooing softly outside the window
murmur

Describes a soft, indistinct sound made by a person or group of people speaking quietly. It can also be used to describe sounds in nature. Sometimes used to suggest secrecy or disapproval.

  • She murmured a quiet apology
  • There was a murmur of excitement in the crowd
  • The brook murmured gently through the forest
croon

Refers to singing or speaking in a low, gentle, and sentimental manner. Commonly used in music to describe a singer's style.

  • He would often croon old love songs to her
  • The jazz singer crooned into the microphone
purr

Usually describes the sound a cat makes when it is content, but can also describe a low, continuous, and vibrating sound. It can have a sensual connotation when describing a person's voice.

  • The cat climbed onto my lap and started to purr
  • He purred into her ear, making her smile

Examples of usage

  • The cooing of the doves created a peaceful atmosphere.
  • The baby's cooing was a comforting sound for the parents.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Nature

  • Many species of doves and pigeons coo as a form of communication, especially during courtship.
  • Cooing is not just for birds; many animals have their own soft vocal sounds that can convey comfort or affection.

Psychology

  • Research shows that cooing by infants can help strengthen emotional bonds with caregivers.
  • The act of cooing is part of language development in babies, often appearing around 6-8 weeks of age.

Cultural Significance

  • In literature and poetry, cooing is often used to represent love and tenderness, frequently associated with romantic expressions.
  • Art historically depicts cooing doves as symbols of peace and love, reinforcing their gentle soundโ€™s significance in culture.

Music

  • Cooing has inspired musical compositions, often used to convey a sense of calm or serenity in lullabies.
  • Some contemporary artists incorporate cooing sounds into their music to evoke tenderness or nostalgia.

Origin of 'cooing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'cuver' which means to coo, echoing the sound itself.
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'cฤrum', which denotes a soft sound, linking the term closely to its gentle nature.

The word 'cooing' is derived from the Middle English word 'counen', meaning to make a low murmuring sound. It has been used to describe the soft, soothing sounds made by doves, pigeons, and contented babies for centuries. The gentle and comforting nature of the sound has made 'cooing' a popular term to convey a sense of peace and tranquility.

See also: coo.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,467, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.