Definition

1. Noun:

   • A loud, harsh, wailing cry: Specifically, the loud, unpleasant, and often prolonged yowling sound made by a cat, especially one that is in heat or fighting.

2. Verb:

   • To utter a loud, harsh, wailing cry: To make a loud, shrill, and discordant sound like that of a cat yowling. It can also describe people arguing or complaining in a similarly loud, shrill, and unpleasant manner.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The silence of the night was broken by the sudden caterwaul of a stray cat.
  • I was awakened by an awful caterwaul coming from the alley.

• Verb:

  • The cats began to caterwaul outside my window, keeping me awake.
  • The children started to caterwaul about having to go to bed early.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use (Verb): To complain or protest loudly and harshly.
  • The opposition party continued to caterwaul about the new policy during the debate.
• Descriptive Use (Noun): Can be used metaphorically for any loud, grating, and unpleasant noise.
  • The singer's attempt at the high note turned into a terrible caterwaul.

Variants and Related Words

• Caterwauling (noun/adj): The act or sound of caterwauling; producing a caterwaul.
  • The constant caterwauling from the neighbor's cat is a nuisance.
  • We heard caterwauling noises from the backyard.

Synonyms

• Noun: Yowl, howl, screech, wail, shriek.
• Verb: Yowl, howl, screech, wail, shriek, squall.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs/Idioms)

(This word is not commonly used in specific phrasal verbs or idioms. Its usage is primarily literal or as a vivid descriptive term.)

Noun

1. the yowling sound made by a cat in heat

Verb

1. utter shrieks, as of cats