Caterwauling Meaning in English
word · lemma: caterwaul
Definition
A loud, unpleasant, and often high-pitched crying or wailing sound, especially like that made by cats. It can also describe any noisy, harsh yelling or shrieking.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly used for the sound of fighting or distressed cats, but can also be used metaphorically for harsh, unpleasant human noises (singing, arguing). Literary or descriptive; rarely used in formal speech. Common in narratives or when mocking a sound.
Example Sentences
The caterwauling outside kept me awake all night.
basic
We could hear the cats’ caterwauling from the window.
basic
The alley was filled with caterwauling every night.
basic
Why do you always turn your singing into such caterwauling?
natural
There was a group of kids caterwauling in the hallway during class.
natural
The politician’s speech ended in a room full of caterwauling from the angry crowd.
natural