caw

[kaw]

noun

1. the harsh, grating cry of the crow, raven, etc.

verb (used without object)

1. to utter this cry or a similar sound.

caw

¹

/ kɔː /

noun

1. the cry of a crow, rook, or raven

verb

1. (intr) to make this cry

CAW

²

abbreviation

1. Canadian Auto Workers (trade union)

Word History and Origins

Origin of caw¹

First recorded in 1580–90; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of caw¹

C16: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Thousands of cawing gulls perched on a rocky island, and newly hatched chicks bobbed in the water.

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An accordionist spurred the crowd of about 150 to dance, clap or yelp bird caws in approval.

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Blackbirds cawed from trees and flapped over block after block of destruction.

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And yet I was surprised recently when a routine phone call to ask Mr. Kennedy for comment about another article was interrupted by a loud “caw” at the other end of the line.

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Carrion crows can count out loud, effectively calling “one, two, three” as they caw, researchers report today in Science.

Read more on Science Magazine

Related Words

• bellow 
• call 
• cheer 
• clamor 
• exclamation 
• holler 
• howl 
• outcry 
• roar 
• scream 
• shout 
• shriek 
• uproar 
• yawp 
• yell 
• yelp