Purring

/ˈpɜːrɪŋ/ verb/noun

Definition

The continuous rumbling sound that cats make when they're happy and content, produced by vibrating their vocal cords.

Etymology

From Old English 'pure' or 'purrre,' an imitative word that mimics the actual sound cats make. The doubled 'r' amplifies the rolling nature of the sound itself.

Kelly Says

Scientists still debate exactly why cats purr—it might be healing, might be communication, might be the feline equivalent of smiling—which means your cat's purr remains one of nature's small unsolved mysteries.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.