Ululate

Ululate is a verb describing a loud, wailing cry, typically expressing grief, joy, or excitement. It's often characterized by rapid, high-pitched oscillations in pitch, sometimes punctuated by rhythmic breaks. This vocalization is frequently associated with cultural traditions, ceremonies, or displays of intense emotion. Think of it as a primal scream, a sound that bypasses the barrier of language and speaks directly to raw, powerful feelings. The sound is often reverberating and carried over a distance.

Ululate meaning with examples

• The mourners began to ululate at the funeral, their cries echoing through the cemetery. The sound of loss was visceral, a wave of anguish washing over the attendees, a shared expression of profound sorrow.
• When the hometown team scored the winning goal, the crowd erupted in a cacophony of cheers and ululations. The celebratory cries filled the stadium, a primal display of collective joy and triumph.
• During the tribal ritual, the women started to ululate, their voices rising in a rhythmic pattern. Their cries, filled with prayer for protection, were interwoven with drumming and chanting.
• Upon discovering the lost treasure, the explorers ululated with excitement. They emitted ear-splitting shouts, high-pitched and echoing in the underground cavern, conveying their elation.
• As the fire spread through the village, residents would ululate their calls for help, hoping someone could aid them. The sound of their cries was filled with fear and urgency, carrying through the night.