ululation

American  

[uhl-yuh-lay-shuhn, yool-] / ˌʌl jəˈleɪ ʃən, ˌjul- /

noun

1. a long, high-pitched trilling sound resembling a howl, or the act of making such a sound, as to express grief or joy or as part of a musical performance.

   I particularly liked how her sharp ululation, like a battle cry, punctuated one of the songs on the album.

2. the howling of a dog or wolf, or the hooting of an owl.

   A low moan rose swiftly to a high and mournful ululation as the wolf serenaded the round, perfect moon.

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Etymology

Origin of ululation

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin ululātiōn-, stem of ululātiō, equivalent to ululāt(us) + -iō -ion ( def. ); see ululate ( def. )

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Explanation

Ululation is a howling or wailing sound. In many cultures, the sound of ululation is common at a funeral, while in others the mourners only sniffle quietly. Ululation is often mournful and it's always full of emotion. It's a common cultural reaction to a death, as well as a highly expressive way of grieving. In some cases, ululation can be celebratory or joyful rather than sad. It's been used to mean "wailing" since the 16th century, and its origin traces back to the Latin word with that same meaning, ululationem.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ululation

Her style here can seem of a piece with industrial and death metal music of the period, but then suddenly swerves into folk keening and ululation.

From New York Times ● Jun. 2, 2022

With this profound ululation of self-effacement, the Eeyore of Bake Off shuffled into our lives.

From The Guardian ● Aug. 26, 2019

Speaking at the event, Mercy James drew applause and ululation from the crowd after saying: "Many kids and many lives will be saved. Thank you mum, you're the bomb."

From Reuters ● Jul. 11, 2017

Finally, she feted her mother with a blessing in Arabic and a celebratory ululation.

From The New Yorker ● Apr. 9, 2017

And Serafina stamped again and clapped her hands with the other witches, and they shook their throats to make a wild ululation that tore at the air like claws.

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman

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