Can Caterwauling Be an Adjective?

The word caterwaul (and its cousin, caterwauling) can be a verb, a noun or an adjective, depending on how it's used. In the Tom Rachman novel, The Rise and Fall of Great Powers, the author uses it as an adjective: He entered a taxi, leaving her alone on the caterwauling street.

What does caterwauling mean?

caterwaul \KAT-er-wawl\ verb. 1 : to make a harsh cry. 2 : to protest or complain noisily. Examples: The woods were quiet until the sound of a chainsaw caterwauling in the distance broke the calm.

How do you use caterwauling in a sentence?

You mutter maledictions on the infernal noise and caterwauling. She still kept up her caterwauling and there was no peace in the house. It used to put our own caterwauling concerts to utter shame. The caterwauling of cats was as nothing to the growls of his disgust.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.