coos: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C1+ vocabulary)Informal, poetic, sometimes humorous or ironic.
Quick answer
What does “coos” mean?
To make a soft, murmuring sound like that of a dove or pigeon.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make a soft, murmuring sound like that of a dove or pigeon; to speak softly and lovingly.
Also used to describe the gentle, contented sounds made by a baby. Figuratively, it can describe speaking in a soft, soothing, or affectionately persuasive manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Possibly more frequent in British literary/poetic contexts.
Connotations
Similar connotations of tenderness. Can be used ironically in both varieties to mock overly sweet or sentimental talk.
Frequency
Rare in formal contexts in both varieties; slightly more common in descriptive writing (e.g., nature, baby care).
Grammar
How to Use “coos” in a Sentence
Subject + coo (intransitive)Subject + coo + that-clause (transitive, rare)Subject + coo + 'sweet nothings' (transitive phrase)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coos” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The wood pigeon coos monotonously from the oak tree.
- She cooed over the newborn, making silly faces.
American English
- The doves are cooing on the telephone wire.
- He cooed promises into her ear to get his way.
adverb
British English
- (No common adverbial use)
- (No common adverbial use)
American English
- (No common adverbial use)
- (No common adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- The cooing sound was oddly comforting.
- (No common adjectival use)
American English
- We heard the cooing doves at dawn.
- (No common adjectival use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Rare, except in literary analysis or ornithology.
Everyday
Used for describing baby sounds or birds; can be used humorously between couples.
Technical
Used in ornithology to describe a specific pigeon/dove vocalisation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coos”
- Confusing spelling with 'cues' or 'cools'. Using it as a regular transitive verb (e.g., 'He cooed her' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes, but it can be used figuratively for any soft, murmuring, affectionate speech. It is the standard verb for the sound made by pigeons and doves.
'Coo' implies a softer, more melodic, and often more contented sound. 'Babble' suggests a quicker, less distinct, and more continuous flow of sounds, often associated with babies or streams.
Yes, it can be used ironically or dismissively to describe speech that is perceived as overly sentimental, insincere, or trivial, e.g., 'The presenters just cooed about the celebrity's outfit.'
The noun is also 'coo', as in 'the gentle coo of the dove'. The plural is 'coos' (same spelling as the verb).
To make a soft, murmuring sound like that of a dove or pigeon.
Coos is usually informal, poetic, sometimes humorous or ironic. in register.
Coos: in British English it is pronounced /kuːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /kuːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bill and coo (to kiss and whisper lovingly, often in a showy way)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COuple Of dOveS (COOS) making soft sounds.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOUND IS SOFT TEXTURE (e.g., 'soft cooing'); AFFECTION IS GENTLE SOUND.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'coos' LEAST likely to be used?