ululate

American  

[uhl-yuh-leyt, yool-] / ˈʌl yəˌleɪt, ˈyul- /

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.

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ululate British  

/ ˈjuːljʊˌleɪt /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• ululant adjective
• ululation noun

Etymology

Origin of ululate

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

Example Sentences

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

From 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.

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

From New York Times

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

From Reuters