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. )

Example Sentences

American fusion dancers use the facial markings of Indigenous North African tribes and traditional high-pitched ululations.

From New York Times

Her style here can seem of a piece with industrial and death metal music of the period, but then suddenly swerves into folk keening and ululation.

From New York Times

Eventually, as guitar and muted trumpet intensified with ululations and drums, he shared his thoughts about the meaning of “we” and everyone’s complicity in injustice.

From New York Times

You could hear Philip Glass’s “Music in 12 Parts” at Leo Castelli Gallery, or Meredith Monk’s a cappella ululations at the Walker Art Center.

From New York Times

And believe me, if you do that at perhaps age 12 or 13, you really do feel as if you've been plunged into a futuristic world from hell, ululations and all.

From Salon