Meaning of the word caterwauling in English

What does caterwauling mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

caterwauling

US /ˈkæt̬.ɚ.wɑː.lɪŋ/
UK /ˈkæt.ə.wɔː.lɪŋ/

Noun

1.

a loud, wailing cry, typically made by a cat in heat

Example:
The neighborhood was kept awake by the constant caterwauling of stray cats.
We heard the mournful caterwauling from the alley.
2.

a harsh, discordant noise

Example:
The band's performance was a chaotic caterwauling of instruments.
His singing was more of a painful caterwauling than a melody.

Verb

to make a loud, wailing cry

Example:
The cat started caterwauling outside the window.
The drunk man was caterwauling loudly in the street.