Definitions

1. noun

a loud, harsh, and usually mournful cry, especially that of a female cat in heat

“The strange noise from the neighbor’s house sounded like the caterwaul of a cat in distress.”

2. verb

to utter or produce a loud, harsh, and usually mournful cry

“The unhappy woman caterwauled in sorrow after hearing the news of her lost pet.”

3. verb

to make a loud, harsh, and usually mournful noise, especially of a cat in heat

“The cat caterwauled throughout the night, disturbing everyone’s sleep.”