verb
purr
pur
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
Word Forms
purred past tense, purrs plural, purrs singular
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Etymology
Imitative of the sound itself.