cooee

American  

[koo-ee] / ˈku i /

noun

1. a prolonged, shrill, clear call or cry used as a signal by Aboriginal inhabitants of Australia and adopted by the settlers in the country.

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verb (used without object)

cooeed, cooeeing

1. to utter the call “cooee.”

cooee British  

/ ˈkuːiː /

interjection

1. a call used to attract attention, esp (originally) a long loud high-pitched call on two notes used in the Australian bush

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verb

1. (intr) to utter this call

noun

1. informal calling distance (esp in the phrase within ( a ) cooee ( of ))

Etymology

Origin of cooee

First recorded in 1780–90, cooee is from the Dharuk word gu-wī

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cooee cooeed cooeeing

Just at the moment we were preparing to shoot the bullock, we heard the cooee of a native, and in a short time two men were seen approaching and apparently desirous of having a parley.

From Journal of an Overland Expedition in Australia : from Moreton Bay to Port Essington, a distance of upwards of 3000 miles, during the years 1844-1845 by Ludwig Leichhardt

"They can't be far," I say reassuringly, and give a loud cooee, but there is no response.

From Round the Wonderful World by A. S. (Archibald Stevenson) Forrest

She'd see a joke a mile off; sighted 'em as soon as they got within cooee.

From We of the Never-Never by Jeannie Gunn

"Come back to that and cooee, and we'll answer you."

From A Little Bush Maid by Mary Grant Bruce

Ralph stopped continually to consult his compass, and occasionally gave a loud "cooee", in case they might find some wandering shepherd or countryman who would be able to help them.

From The Manor House School by Arthur A. Dixon

Charlie pulled up in front of the house, and cooeed.

From Outback Marriage, an : a story of Australian life by A. B. (Andrew Barton) Paterson

Once they were out of sight Peachy cooeed for Jess and Irene, who appeared bursting with laughter and demanding details, having witnessed the rout of the enemy from a distance.

From The Jolliest School of All by Angela Brazil

I cooeed, which disturbed the dogs of the camp; but the cold wind blew so strong from the east, that I feared Charley would either not hear my cooee, or I not his.

From Journal of an Overland Expedition in Australia : from Moreton Bay to Port Essington, a distance of upwards of 3000 miles, during the years 1844-1845 by Ludwig Leichhardt

After a little time I missed the boy, and cooeed for him.

From Reminiscences of Queensland 1862-1869 by W. H. (William Henry) Corfield

I cooeed to him; at which he looked up, but seemed to be at a loss what to do or say.

From Journal of an Overland Expedition in Australia : from Moreton Bay to Port Essington, a distance of upwards of 3000 miles, during the years 1844-1845 by Ludwig Leichhardt

Search-parties cooeeing to each other about the Bush, and lighting signal-fires.

From Joe Wilson and His Mates by Henry Lawson

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