How Do You Spell CATERWAULER?

Pronunciation: [kˈatəwˌɔːlə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "caterwauler" can be confusing due to its unusual combination of letters. According to IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈkætərˌwɔːlər/. The initial "ca" sounds like "kat," followed by "er" which makes the "er" sound as if pronounced in "her," and then "wauler" which is pronounced as "waller." Therefore, the spelling of "caterwauler" reflects its phonetic composition of a cat-like, unsettling wailing or yelling sound, typically that of cats.

CATERWAULER Meaning and Definition

1. "Caterwauler" is a noun that refers to an individual characterized by loud and unpleasant vocalizations or noises. The word is commonly used to describe someone who sings or speaks in a harsh, shrill, or discordant manner, often expressing distress, dissatisfaction, or annoyance.

   The term "caterwauler" can be applied to various situations and contexts. For instance, it can denote a person who constantly complains, grumbles, or moans, typically without valid reasons. It can also describe someone who sings or yells with an extremely high-pitched, rough, or piercing voice, causing discomfort to others and lacking any musical harmony.

   Additionally, "caterwauler" can represent an individual who engages in noisy and turbulent behavior, such as shouting loudly or making disruptive sounds, without regard for others' comfort or peace. In this sense, it often implies a lack of manners, control, or consideration.

   Overall, the term "caterwauler" carries a negative connotation due to its association with unpleasant, harsh, or disturbing sounds. It encompasses people who produce such sounds through their vocalizations, complaints, or disruptive behavior, typically causing annoyance and discomfort to those around them.

Common Misspellings for CATERWAULER

• xaterwauler
• vaterwauler
• faterwauler
• daterwauler
• czterwauler
• csterwauler
• cwterwauler
• cqterwauler
• carerwauler
• caferwauler
• cagerwauler
• cayerwauler
• ca6erwauler
• ca5erwauler
• catwrwauler
• catsrwauler
• catdrwauler
• catrrwauler
• cat4rwauler
• cat3rwauler

Etymology of CATERWAULER

The word "caterwauler" originated in the 16th century from the combination of two separate terms.

The first part, "cater", derives from the Middle English word "cateren", meaning to quarrel or make a racket. It is also related to the Old Norse word "kata", which means to hiss or growl. Over time, "cater" came to be associated with making loud or unpleasant noises.

The second part, "wauler", comes from the Middle English word "wawlen", meaning to scream or wail. It has its roots in the Old English word "wrian", which also denotes a loud, mournful cry.

Therefore, the word "caterwauler" combines "cater", meaning to make a racket, with "wauler", referring to loud and mournful cries.

Plural form of CATERWAULER is CATERWAULERS