coo
/ku:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- The soft, murmuring sound made by a dove or pigeon: A low, gentle, and repetitive vocalization characteristic of these birds.
- Any similar soft, murmuring sound: Can be used to describe a soft, soothing sound made by a person, especially when speaking affectionately.
Verb:
- To make the soft, low sound characteristic of a dove or pigeon: The primary action of the bird.
- To speak in a soft, gentle, and loving tone: To utter words softly, often expressing affection, comfort, or endearment.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- The only sound in the garden was the gentle coo of the doves.
- She spoke to the infant in a soothing coo.
Verb:
- The pigeons cooed softly on the windowsill.
- The parents cooed over their newborn baby, whispering sweet words.
Advanced Usage
- "to bill and coo": To whisper and murmur lovingly to each other; to engage in affectionate talk or behavior, often used for couples.
- The young lovers sat in the park, billing and cooing for hours.
Variants and Related Words
- Cooing (n/adj): The act or sound of cooing; making a soft murmuring sound.
- The baby was soothed by her mother's cooing voice.
Synonyms
- Murmur: To make a low, continuous, indistinct sound.
- Croon: To sing or hum in a soft, soothing voice.
- Purr: To make a low, continuous vibratory sound expressing contentment (like a cat); can be used figuratively for a person's voice.
Related Phrases
- Coo over someone/something: To express admiration or affection for someone or something in a soft, gentle voice.
- The aunts gathered to coo over the new family photographs.
Verb
- cry softly, as of pigeons
- speak softly or lovingly
- The mother who held her baby was cooing softly