Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words
Definition of ululation - 3 dictionary results

ul⋅u⋅late

  [uhl-yuh-leyt, yool-]
Use ululation in a Sentence
–verb (used without object), -lat⋅ed, -lat⋅ing.
1. to howl, as a dog or a wolf; hoot, as an owl.
2. to utter howling sounds, as in shrill, wordless lamentation; wail.
3. to lament loudly and shrilly.
Origin:
1615–25; < L ululātus, ptp. of ululāre to howl, shriek, of imit. orig.; see -ate 1

Related forms:
ul⋅u⋅la⋅tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To ululation
ul·u·late   (ŭl'yə-lāt', yōōl'-)   
intr.v.   ul·u·lat·ed, ul·u·lat·ing, ul·u·lates
To howl, wail, or lament loudly.

[Latin ululāre, ululāt-, ultimately of imitative origin.]
ul'u·lant (-lənt) adj., ul'u·la'tion n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

ululation 
1599, from L. ululationem (nom. ululatio) "a howling or wailing," from pp. stem of ululare "ululate," a reduplicated imitative base (cf. Gk. ololyzein "to cry aloud," Skt. ululih "a howling," Lith. uluti "howl," Gael. uileliugh "wail of lamentation," O.E. ule "owl").
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Search another word or see ululation on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way