Purring

Pronunciation: /ˈpɜrɪŋ/

Definitions of purring

verb the action of a cat making a soft, low, continuous sound

Example Sentences

A1 The cat is purring softly.

A2 She loves it when her cat purrs in her lap.

B1 The engine of the car was purring smoothly.

B2 The contented cat purred contentedly as it curled up in its bed.

C1 The sound of the waves purring against the shore was soothing.

C2 The violinist's skillful playing made the audience purr with delight.

Examples of purring in a Sentence

formal The cat was purring contentedly as it curled up in its bed.

informal My cat won't stop purring whenever I pet her.

slang I love it when my kitty starts purring up a storm.

figurative The engines of the car were purring smoothly as we drove down the highway.

Grammatical Forms of purring

• past tense: purred
• plural: purrings
• comparative: more purring
• superlative: most purring
• present tense: purr
• future tense: will purr
• perfect tense: has purred
• continuous tense: is purring
• singular: purring
• positive degree: purring
• infinitive: to purr
• gerund: purring
• participle: purring

Origin and Evolution of purring

First Known Use: 1400 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'purring' is believed to originate from the imitative sound of a cat's contented vocalization.

Evolution of the word: Initially used to describe the sound made by cats, 'purring' has evolved to also refer to the sound of other animals or objects vibrating or humming in a similar manner. It has also been used metaphorically to describe a soothing or comforting sound or sensation.