Definition

1. Noun:

   • The short, low, gruff sound made by a pig: "oink" refers specifically to the characteristic grunting or snorting noise produced by swine.

2. Verb:

   • To make the characteristic cry of a pig: "oink" means to utter the high-pitched or grunting sound typical of pigs.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The piglet let out a loud oink.
  • All we could hear from the pen was the occasional oink.

• Verb:

  • The hungry pigs began to oink loudly.
  • Can you oink like a pig?

Advanced Usage

• Onomatopoeic Use: The word "oink" is primarily used as an onomatopoeia, meaning the word itself imitates the actual sound it describes. It is often used in children's books and stories.
  • The storybook said, "The pig went 'oink'."

Variants and Related Words

• Grunt (noun/verb): A similar low, short sound, often made by pigs but also by people.
• Squeal (noun/verb): A long, high-pitched cry or sound, which can also be made by pigs, especially when excited or distressed.

Synonyms

• Grunt: (for the noun) a similar short, low sound.
• Snort: a noisy exhalation of breath, sometimes made by pigs.

Related Phrases

• (To) go 'oink': A phrase used to describe the action of a pig making its sound.
  • The little pink pig goes 'oink'.

Noun

1. the short low gruff noise of the kind made by hogs

Verb

1. utter a high-pitched cry, characteristic of pigs