Advertisement

View synonyms for

purr

[ pur ]

verb (used without object)

  1. to utter a low, continuous, murmuring sound expressive of contentment or pleasure, as a cat does.
  2. (of things) to make a sound suggestive of the purring of a cat:

    The new motor of the car purred.



verb (used with object)

  1. to express by or as if by purring.

noun

  1. the low, vibrating sound made by a cat by the contracting of the laryngeal muscles and the diaphragm as it breathes.
  2. a sound resembling this.
  3. the act of purring.

purr

/ ɜː /

verb

  1. intr (esp of cats) to make a low vibrant sound, usually considered as expressing pleasure, etc
  2. tr to express (pleasure, etc) by this sound
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. a purring sound
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • ܰiԲ· adverb
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of purr1

First recorded in 1595–1605; imitative
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of purr1

C17: of imitative origin; compare French ronronner to purr, German schnurren, Dutch snorren
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

So when we step towards one of these fierce predators, she's purring.

From

For four days after returning from Epic Universe, my most lingering memories are not a ride vehicle or an animatronic, but chatting about werewolves with an actor in a bar and touching a purring dragon.

From

The glassy stare, the eyebrows tilted up like thirsty caterpillars, his purr as he lights a cigar.

From

After fiddling with the device and calling Dean for tips on its operation, Andrew had the pump purring like an idling motorcycle.

From

A portable heater purrs with a bright orange glow.

From

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


purpurinpurree