What does ululate mean?
Ululate means to produce a loud, drawn-out cry, especially in grief, joy, terror, or religious fervor. Its sound suggests something more intense and less controlled than an ordinary shout: a cry of release, anguish, or collective excitement. The word appears both in everyday reports of ecstatic fans and in descriptions of ancient rites and mourning practices. Because “ululate” is literary and somewhat dramatic, writers often choose it when the emotional force of the sound matters more than plain accuracy. It is also more specific than “howl,” which may describe an animal, a person, or a machine, while ululation usually suggests a human or communal cry. Ululate is therefore useful where a writer wants to distinguish an extraordinary vocal outburst from ordinary speech. Its Latin heritage also gives it an immediate sense of antiquity and ritual, even when used loosely in modern prose.
verbTo make a loud, prolonged cry, especially in grief, joy, terror, religious excitement, or ritual.
- To emit a loud, sustained cry expressive of strong emotion, collective excitement, grief, or religious or ritual fervor.
"The crowd ululated with delight as the final result was announced."
"Supporters ululated as their team scored the winning goal."
"The worshippers ululated during the climactic part of the ceremony."
From Latin ululare, meaning “to howl,” ululate preserves the drama of a cry too primal for ordinary speech.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ululate
Ululate comes from the Latin ululare, meaning “to howl or cry out,” and the English word dates from the early 17th century. Its early use described cries associated with grief, ecstasy, and religious observances. Romance forms such as French ululer, Italian ululare, and Spanish and Portuguese ulular continue the same Latin source.
Related word forms
How ululate is actually used
Literary and somewhat dramatic. It is often used when the emotional quality and intensity of a cry are more important than neutral description; in modern writing it can sound ritualistic, archaic, or performative.
Easily confused with ululate
Ululate means to make a prolonged cry, whereas ulcerate means to form or become an ulcer.