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. ); 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

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

There was a long, wailing ululation, like the sound of a thousand anguished voices screaming in the darkness, followed by a bellowing, full-throated roar.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2015

Behind him the ululation swept across the island once more and a single voice shouted three times.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding