What does caterwaul mean?
Caterwaul is both a noun and a verb describing a loud, harsh, wavering cry — the sound most famously made by cats, particularly during territorial disputes or courtship. As a verb, it means to produce this kind of discordant yowling, and by extension it can be applied to people who complain noisily or argue in a shrill, unpleasant manner. The word carries an inherently negative connotation: nobody's voice is complimented by being called a caterwaul. It appears both literally, in descriptions of animals at night, and figuratively, in political or social commentary where critics are said to 'caterwaul' against some policy or decision. Derived from Middle Dutch roots meaning 'cat', joined with an old English verb meaning 'to yowl', it entered English in the seventeenth century and remains a vivid, expressive choice when ordinary words like 'cry' or 'shout' seem too neutral for truly grating noise.
To make a loud, harsh, wailing cry, like a cat in heat; to utter shrill, discordant sounds.
"Tomcats caterwauling outside kept the whole street awake."
Frequently applied metaphorically to humans making strident complaints.
A loud, wailing, discordant cry or noise, especially that of a cat.
"A terrible caterwaul came from the alley behind the restaurant."
Usually singular; the plural form is uncommon but valid.
Caterwaul literally combines a Middle Dutch word for cat with an old English verb meaning to yowl — so it's essentially 'cat + howl' fused into a single word.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of caterwaul
Caterwaul derives from Middle Dutch 'cater', meaning cat, combined with the English dialectal verb 'waul' or 'waw', meaning to yowl or cry like a cat. It was formed in English, first appearing in written records in the early seventeenth century. The Dutch element connects it ultimately to the same Germanic root that gives modern English 'cat'. Its development has been stable: originally describing feline mating cries, its use broadened to describe any harsh, discordant human noise or complaint.
Related word forms
How caterwaul is actually used
Often used figuratively for human complaining or noisy argument. Slightly informal or literary in register; carries a strongly pejorative connotation of unpleasantness.
Easily confused with caterwaul
Catarrh is an inflammation of the mucous membranes causing excess mucus (as in a head cold), while caterwaul is a harsh wailing cry.