Cooing: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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