World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesPurr
/pɜːr/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To make a low, continuous vibratory sound expressing contentment, typically characteristic of cats.
"The rescued kitten began to purr softly as soon as she was stroked."
- 1
The low, humming sound made by a cat or similar machine running smoothly.
"We could hear the steady purr of the engine as the luxury car idled in the driveway."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Of imitative origin dating back to the late 16th century in English. It likely developed as an onomatopoeic representation of the low, continuous vibratory sound made by cats when contented.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Purr"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Purr" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
ronronner
Transliteration: ʁɔ̃.ʁɔ.ne
"Le chat aime ronronner quand on le caresse."
schnurren
Transliteration: ˈʃnʊʁən
"Die Katze fing an zu schnurren."
fare le fusa
Transliteration: ˈfaːre le ˈfuːza
"Il gatto fa le fusa sul divano."
ronronear
Transliteration: ron.ɾo.neˈaɾ
"El gato empezó a ronronear de felicidad."
ronronar
Transliteration: ʁõ.ʁoˈnaɾ
"O gatinho gosta de ronronar no colo."
गर्राना
Transliteration: garrana
"खुशी से बिल्ली गर्राने लगी।"
咕噜咕噜叫
Transliteration: gūlū gūlū jiào
"小猫高兴得咕噜咕噜叫。"
골골대다
Transliteration: golgoldaeda
"고양이가 기분이 좋아 골골대고 있다."
ゴロゴロ鳴らす
Transliteration: gorogoro narasu
"猫が満足そうにゴロゴロと喉を鳴らしている。"
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