caterwaul: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, Literary, Humorous
Quick answer
What does “caterwaul” mean?
To make a shrill, wailing noise, like that of a cat in heat or fighting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make a shrill, wailing noise, like that of a cat in heat or fighting.
To protest or complain in a loud, shrill, and unpleasant manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British literary contexts.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties, implying a harsh, annoying sound.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but perhaps marginally more recognised in BrE due to its occasional use in classic literature and period dramas.
Grammar
How to Use “caterwaul” in a Sentence
[Subject] caterwauls[Subject] is caterwaulingthe caterwauling of [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “caterwaul” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The neighbour's cats caterwauled all night, keeping the whole street awake.
- He started caterwauling about the referee's decision.
American English
- A stray cat was caterwauling on the fire escape.
- Stop caterwauling and just tell me what's wrong.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used) The cats fought caterwaulingly under the window.
American English
- (Rarely used) She protested caterwaulingly against the new policy.
adjective
British English
- We were subjected to a caterwauling chorus from the garden.
- The caterwauling noise was unbearable.
American English
- The caterwauling toddler was finally calmed down.
- I heard a caterwauling sound coming from the alley.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear humorously to describe a particularly loud and unproductive meeting.
Academic
Rare, except in literary analysis or descriptive zoology/ethology.
Everyday
Used humorously or descriptively for loud cats, babies, or people complaining noisily.
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “caterwaul”
- Using it to describe any cat sound (it's only for loud, shrill cries).
- Misspelling as 'caterwall' or 'caterwail'.
- Using it in formal contexts where 'protest loudly' or 'wail' would be more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its origin and most literal use is for the shrill cry of cats (especially in heat or conflict), it is commonly extended to describe any similarly loud, shrill, and unpleasant wailing or complaining by people or things.
Yes, though less common than the verb. A 'caterwaul' is the shrill wailing cry itself, e.g., 'The night was filled with the caterwaul of fighting cats.'
No, it is primarily informal, literary, or humorous. It would sound odd in formal academic or business writing, where terms like 'wail loudly', 'protest stridently', or 'emit a shrill cry' might be preferred.
'Howl' is a broader term for a long, loud, mournful cry (wolves, wind, a person in pain). 'Caterwaul' is more specific, implying a harsh, shrill, discordant, and often repetitive quality, strongly associated with cats but applicable to similar human noises.
To make a shrill, wailing noise, like that of a cat in heat or fighting.
Caterwaul: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæt.ə.wɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæt̬.ɚ.wɑːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Caterwauling like a tomcat on a tin roof”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CATERing truck that WAULs (wails) its siren – a loud, unpleasant noise.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOUD COMPLAINT IS ANIMAL NOISE; UNPLEASANT SOUND IS PAIN.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'caterwaul' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?