Ululant
/ˈʌl.jʊ.lənt/noun
Making a long, mournful, or high-pitched howling sound.
Did you know?Its Latin ancestor, ululare, was used for howling or wailing, while related Latin forms described the cry of an owl—a sound often linked with omens and nighttime mystery.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
ululāre
“To howl, wail, or cry like an owl; probably an expressive sound word”
Classical Latin
Latin
ululāns
“Howling, wailing, or crying out”
Late Latin
Latin
ululantem
“Howling or wailing; accusative form of ululāns”
17th Century
English
ululate
“To howl or wail; borrowed from Latin”
19th Century
English
ululant
“Howling, wailing, or producing a mournful cry”
Modern English
English
ululant
“Characterized by a prolonged, high-pitched, mournful sound”