caul: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/Extremely RareLiterary, Historical, Medical, Obsolete
Quick answer
What does “caul” mean?
A membrane or amniotic sac that sometimes covers a baby's head at birth.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A membrane or amniotic sac that sometimes covers a baby's head at birth.
1) A historical head-covering or net worn by women. 2) A covering or membrane, especially over the intestines (omentum). 3) A thin, net-like covering for the face or a part of a wig.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences; the word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes historical/midwifery contexts; may carry a superstitious or archaic flavour.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in all contexts. Most commonly encountered in historical novels or medical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “caul” in a Sentence
[subject] was born with a caul.The midwife removed the caul from [possessive] head.A caul covered [possessive] face.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Possible in historical or medical papers discussing childbirth practices or anatomy.
Everyday
Virtually never used; would require explaining.
Technical
Used in obstetrics/gynecology and anatomy (for the omentum).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “caul”
- Spelling: 'call', 'cawl'.
- Using it in modern contexts where 'veil' or 'membrane' is clearer.
- Mispronouncing to rhyme with 'haul' (it's identical to 'call').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare in modern English. You will almost never hear it in everyday conversation.
Historically, being 'born with a caul' was seen as an omen of good luck, especially protection from drowning. These cauls were sometimes dried and sold to sailors as talismans.
Yes, archaically it can refer to a close-fitting woman's cap or hairnet. In anatomy, it is an older term for the omentum, a fold of tissue in the abdomen.
It is pronounced exactly like the word 'call' (/kɔːl/).
A membrane or amniotic sac that sometimes covers a baby's head at birth.
Caul is usually literary, historical, medical, obsolete in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “born with a caul (on one's head) – born lucky or destined for greatness.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a newborn CALLed 'Caul' because he was born with a veil-like covering. CAUL rhymes with 'call'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CAUL IS A PROTECTIVE VEIL / A CAUL IS A MARK OF DESTINY.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'caul' MOST likely to be used?