Mewl: meaning, definitions and examples

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mewl

[mjuːl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

crying like a baby

To cry feebly or querulously; whimper, as a complaining child. It can also be used to describe the cry of a cat.

Synonyms

cry, whimper, whine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mewl	Used to describe the soft, high-pitched sounds made by young animals or babies, often due to discomfort or need. It can also be used metaphorically for humans in a delicate or weak state. The kitten began to mewl for its mother After the movie, the baby started to mewl softly
whine	Often used to describe a high-pitched, complaining sound made in irritation or discomfort. This word has a negative connotation and implies annoyance or persistent dissatisfaction. The child began to whine when he didn't get the toy he wanted The dog whined incessantly until it got attention
whimper	Describes a series of low, soft sounds that express pain or unhappiness, typically used for animals or humans in a state of discomfort or fear. The puppy whimpered all night because it was scared of the thunderstorm She whimpered quietly when she got hurt
cry	A general term for shedding tears and making a loud sound from pain, sadness, anger, or joy. This word can be used for both humans and animals. She tried to hold back her tears, but eventually she began to cry The baby cried loudly when it was hungry

Examples of usage

He mewled pathetically, hoping for attention.
The kitten mewled softly, looking for its mother.
She mewled in protest as she was being carried away.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

cry of a cat

The characteristic high-pitched crying sound made by a cat.

Synonyms

cry, meow, yowl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mewl	This word is used for quiet, weak, or feeble crying, often like that of a young animal or a baby. It can indicate a sense of helplessness or vulnerability. The kitten began to mewl softly when it was left alone. She heard a baby mewling for its mother in the distance.
cry	This word is used in general situations where someone is shedding tears or making sounds of distress. It can be used in a wide range of emotional contexts, from sadness to frustration or even joy. The baby started to cry when he was hungry. She couldn't help but cry tears of joy at her graduation ceremony.
yowl	This word is used to describe loud, prolonged, and often mournful or distressing cries. It implies a certain level of intensity and can be used for both animals and humans in extreme states of upset or pain. The dog started to yowl in pain after stepping on something sharp. At night, the alley cats would yowl, making it difficult to sleep.
meow	This word is specifically used to describe the sound made by a cat. It's typically used when talking about the sound or when imitating it. The cat meowed loudly at the door, wanting to be let in. He mimicked the sound of a meow to get the cat's attention.

Examples of usage

The mewl of the cat echoed through the night.
The kitten's mewl could be heard from across the room.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Middle English 'mule' or 'miwlen', which referred to the cries of kittens.
The Old English word 'mule' meant to moan or to grieve, linking sadness to soft sounds.
Mewl shares roots with the word 'mew', which historically represented the noise that a cat makes.

Literature

In Charles Dickens' works, mewling often describes vulnerable characters, highlighting their fragility.
The term is often used in children’s literature to depict young animals or children in need of care.
Shakespeare's 'King Lear' features a scene where a child is described as mewling, emphasizing innocence and helplessness.

Pop Culture

Mewling is sometimes depicted in cartoons, where cute characters whine for attention or food.
In films, the soft mewl of a baby animal usually escalates to a comedic scene where characters rush to help.
The social media sensation of 'cute animal videos' often features mewling kittens, appealing to viewers' emotions.

Psychology

The sound of a mewl can evoke feelings of empathy and nurturing in humans, triggering protective instincts.
Studies in developmental psychology suggest that soft cries can elicit caregiving behaviors.
Mewling sounds may also be interpreted as signs of distress, affecting how individuals respond socially.

Animal Behavior

Kittens mew to communicate with their mother, especially when they are hungry or need warmth.
Some species of animals, like puppies and foals, also exhibit mewling sounds to convey dependence.
Mewling can be a sign of submission among young animals, indicating they are in need of safety.

Translations

Translations of the word "mewl" in other languages:

🇵🇹 miar

🇮🇳 म्याऊँ करना

🇩🇪 miauen

🇮🇩 mengeong

🇺🇦 нявкати

🇵🇱 miauczeć

🇯🇵 ミャオと鳴く

🇫🇷 miauler

🇪🇸 maullar

🇹🇷 miyavlamak

🇰🇷 야옹하다

🇸🇦 تموء

🇨🇿 mňoukat

🇸🇰 mňaukať

🇨🇳 喵叫

🇸🇮 mjavkati

🇮🇸 mjálma

🇰🇿 мияулау

🇬🇪 მიო

🇦🇿 miyavlamaq

🇲🇽 maullar

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,836, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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