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

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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

purred past tense, purrs plural, purrs singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The cat _____ as it curled up on her lap.

Etymology

Imitative of the sound itself.

Synonyms

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whiz whir birr whizz whirr make vibrant sounds

Related words

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Rhymes for purr

burr

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.

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