tu-whoo
Definition
- Interjection (also used as a noun or verb in limited contexts):
- The hooting sound made by an owl: "tu-whoo" is an onomatopoeic word that imitates the characteristic call of an owl, especially the tawny owl. It is often used in literature or folklore to represent the bird's nocturnal cry.
Usage Examples
Interjection:
- From the dark forest came a soft "tu-whoo, tu-whoo." (The sound of an owl hooting.)
- The children imitated the owl by saying "tu-whoo" into the night air. (They produced the sound to mimic the bird.)
Noun:
- The tu-whoo echoed through the trees. (The sound itself as a distinct auditory event.)
Verb:
- The owl tu-whooed from its perch. (The owl made the hooting sound.)
Advanced Usage
"to go tu-whoo": to produce the hooting sound of an owl.
- The old clock in the hall seemed to go tu-whoo at midnight. (The clock's chime resembled an owl's call.)
"Tu-whoo" in poetry: often used to create a spooky or rustic atmosphere.
- "Tu-whoo, tu-whit, tu-whoo" — the owl's cry haunted the lonely moor. (A classic poetic representation of an owl's call.)
Variants and Related Words
- Tu-whit (n or interj): a variant or part of the same onomatopoeic phrase, often used together as "tu-whit tu-whoo" to represent the full call.
- The barn owl let out a sharp "tu-whit" followed by a low "tu-whoo." (Two distinct parts of the owl's vocalization.)
Synonyms
- Hoot: a general term for the sound made by an owl.
- The owl's hoot was deep and resonant. (Similar to "tu-whoo" but less specific.)
Related Idioms
- "Tu-whoo" as a symbol of wisdom: in folklore, the owl's call is often associated with knowledge or mystery.
- The wise old owl's "tu-whoo" was heard just before the secret was revealed. (The sound signaled insight.)
Notes on Usage
- "Tu-whoo" is rarely used in modern speech except in children's stories, poetry, or when describing animal sounds. It is considered a literary or playful term rather than a standard zoological description.