What does ululating mean?
Ululating means making a sustained, loud wailing or crying sound. The word can describe sounds of grief and mourning, but it may equally express excitement, triumph, or intense emotion. Ululating can also function as an adjective, as in “an ululating cry,” and is related to the noun “ululation.” Its distinctive feature is the sustained, high-pitched character of the sound rather than simply the fact that someone is crying. In ordinary conversation, “howling” is usually more natural, while “ululating” lends the scene a heightened, dramatic, or historical tone. The verb comes from Latin ululare, an imitative term associated with wailing and the cry of an owl. Its unusual sound and expressive range make it useful when the intensity and emotional character of a cry need emphasis.
To make a sustained, loud wailing or crying sound, especially as an expression of grief, pain, or excitement.
"The spectators ululated when the final goal was scored."
The present participle is chiefly used in literary or elevated contexts.
Characterized by a sustained, loud wailing or crying sound.
"An ululating cry rose from the crowd."
This participial use emphasizes the quality of a sound rather than the act of making it.
Ululating entered English from a Latin verb associated with the eerie cry of an owl.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of ululating
The word entered English in the early 17th century from the Latin verb ululare, meaning “to howl” or “cry aloud.” Latin ululare is generally considered imitative in origin and is associated with ulula, the name of an owl and an owl-like cry. Closely related forms include Spanish ulular, French ululer, and Italian ululare, all of which continue the Latin tradition of describing wailing or hooting sounds.
Related word forms
How ululating is actually used
Chiefly literary or elevated in register. It is more evocative than the everyday word “howling” and may suggest either mourning or exuberance.
Easily confused with ululating
Ululating means making a loud wailing sound, whereas alluding means indirectly referring to something.