verb
purr
pur
Purr (verb) means to make a low, continuous vibrating sound, as a contented cat does. Example: “The cat purred as it curled up on her lap.”
verb
1
To make a low, continuous vibrating sound, as a contented cat does.
"The cat purred as it curled up on her lap."
"The engine purred smoothly along the highway."
noun
1
The low, continuous vibrating sound made by a contented cat, or something similar.
"You could hear the purr of the engine idling outside."
How to use purr
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe soft rumbling sound a happy cat makes, or a similar smooth sound from an engine or voice.
Common pairings
the cat purred
engine purrs
purr with contentment
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Word forms
- Plural
- purrs
- Third person singular
- purrs
- Past tense
- purred
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cat _____ as it curled up on her lap.
Etymology
Imitative of the sound itself.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for purr
See all rhymes for purr →Frequently asked questions
What does “purr” mean?
The word “purr” means to make a low, continuous vibrating sound, as a contented cat does. In plain terms, the soft rumbling sound a happy cat makes, or a similar smooth sound from an engine or voice.
How do you pronounce “purr”?
“Purr” is pronounced pur (/pɝ/ in IPA).
How do you use “purr” in a sentence?
Here is “purr” used in a sentence: “The cat purred as it curled up on her lap.”
What part of speech is “purr”?
Depending on how it is used, “purr” can be a verb and a noun.
How many meanings does “purr” have?
“Purr” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a low, continuous vibrating sound, as a contented cat does.
