ululation

American  

[uhl-yuh-ley-shuhn, yool-] / ˌʌl yəˈleɪ ʃən, ˌyul- /

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. )

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

What good to dread the Storm's impending Black With woful Ululation and "Alack!"

From The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Jr. by Irwin, Wallace

Ululation SHE is lean as a wolf, and very old,—the white bitch that guards my gate at night.

From In Ghostly Japan by Hearn, Lafcadio