ululate

[ uhl-yuh-leyt, yool- ]

verb (used without object)

, ul·u·lat·ed, ul·u·lat·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈululant, adjective
• ˌuluˈlation, noun

Other Words From

• ul·u·la·tion [uhl-y, uh, -, ley, -sh, uh, n, yool-], noun

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