ululate

[uhl-yuh-leyt, yool-]

verb (used without object)

ululated, ululating 

1. to howl, as a coyote or wolf, or to hoot, as an owl.

2. to utter a loud, long, high-pitched, trilling sound that resembles a howl, especially to express grief or joy.

   the Middle Eastern custom of ululating at weddings and funerals.

3. to lament loudly and shrilly.

ululate

/ ˈjuːljʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. (intr) to howl or wail, as with grief

Other Word Forms

• ululation noun
• ululant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ululate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin ululātus, past participle of ululāre “to howl, shriek,” of imitative origin; akin to Greek hylân, ololýzein “to howl, wail,” Sanskrit ululí- “howling”; -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ululate¹

C17: from Latin ululāre to howl, from ulula screech owl

Example Sentences

Women ululated—a rousing, high-pitched vocal sound usually reserved for joyous events like festivals and weddings.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"We have to do better, we must do better," vowed Mr Fletcher, who cast aside his prepared speech when he stood under a canopy facing rows of Sudanese women and children, clapping and ululating.

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Crowds gathered at the hospital, cheering and ululating to celebrate.

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Ms. Jeilaniy’s mother called out to the townspeople, ululating three times and drumming on a plastic tray turned upside down.

Read more on New York Times

The crowd sang, drummed and ululated as Francis entered the dusty area.

Read more on Reuters