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. ); see 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

Vocally, Kakoma has that chameleonlike quality, too, varying her big, bright voice with husky breaths, vivid ululation and the Xhosa clicks for which Makeba was famous.

From New York Times • Jun. 1, 2022

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

It was an ululation over by the seashore -and now the next savage answered and the next.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding