Definition

1. Verb:
   • To emit a long, loud, high-pitched, wavering cry or howl, often as an expression of intense emotion such as grief, pain, or celebration. It is frequently associated with vocal expressions of mourning in certain cultures or the howling of canines.

Usage

• The verb "ululate" describes a specific, often ritualistic or primal, vocal sound. It is typically intransitive (does not take a direct object).
• It is used in contexts of deep sorrow, ceremonial lamentation, wild celebration, or to describe animal sounds like howling.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The women began to ululate in mourning as the procession passed.
  • A coyote ululated somewhere in the distant darkness.
  • The crowd ululated with joy at the announcement of victory.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural/ Ritualistic Context: Often used to describe a traditional vocal expression, especially in African, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cultures, during weddings, funerals, or festivals.
  • During the wedding ceremony, the female relatives ululated to express their happiness.
• Descriptive/ Literary Use: Employed in literature and descriptive writing to convey a sense of raw, unrestrained emotion or eerie soundscapes.
  • The wind ululated through the cracks in the old castle walls.

Variants and Related Words

• Ululation (noun): The act or sound of ululating.
  • The ululation of the mourners filled the air.

Synonyms

• Howl: To utter a loud, prolonged, mournful cry (common for animals or wind).
• Wail: To express sorrow or misery with a long, loud cry.
• Bemoan: To express deep grief or distress over (often more literary).
• Lament: To express grief, regret, or sorrow, sometimes vocally.

Antonyms

• Whisper: To speak very softly.
• Murmur: To make a low, continuous, indistinct sound.

Related Phrases/Idioms

(Note: "Ululate" itself is not commonly used in standard English idioms. Its use is typically literal or descriptive.) - To ululate in grief/joy: A standard phrase indicating the reason for the vocalization. - The tradition is to ululate in joy when the bride arrives.

Verb

1. emit long loud cries
   • wail in self-pity
   • howl with sorrow