Word: Caterwaul
Part of Speech: Verb and Noun
Definition: - As a verb, "caterwaul" means to make a loud, shrill noise, similar to the sound that a cat makes when it is in heat or fighting. It can also mean to complain or protest loudly. - As a noun, "caterwaul" refers to the actual sound made by a cat, especially during mating season, which can be quite loud and unpleasant.
Usage Instructions: - When using "caterwaul" as a verb, you can describe the action of making loud noises like a cat. - As a noun, you can use it to refer to the sound itself.
Examples: - Verb: "The cats began to caterwaul outside my window, keeping me awake all night." - Noun: "I woke up to the caterwaul of cats in the alley."
Advanced Usage: You can use "caterwaul" in a figurative sense to describe any loud, chaotic, or unpleasant noise made by people or animals, not just cats. For example, "The children began to caterwaul when they didn't get their way."
Word Variants: - "Caterwauling" (verb form) - This refers to the action of making such loud noises. For example, "The caterwauling from the party next door was unbearable."
Different Meanings:While "caterwaul" is primarily associated with cats, it can be used more broadly to describe loud, wailing sounds made by anything that is distressing or chaotic.
Synonyms: - Yowl - Wail - Howl - Shriek
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "caterwaul," but you might hear phrases like "caterwaul at someone," meaning to complain loudly or express discontent.