purr

1 of 2

noun

ˈpər 

: a low vibratory murmur typical of an apparently contented or pleased cat

purr

2 of 2

verb

purred; purring; purrs

intransitive verb

1

: to make a purr or a sound like a purr

cars purring along the highway

2

a

: to speak in a manner that resembles a purr

b

: to speak in a malicious catty manner

purringly

ˈpər-iŋ-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

Noun

• burr
• buzz
• chirr
• churr
• drone
• hum
• thrum
• whir
• whirr
• whiz
• whizz
• zoom

Examples of purr in a Sentence

Noun

the soft purr of a car engine

listened to the reassuring purr of the car engine

Verb

The cat was purring contentedly in my lap.

The cars were purring along the highway.

“You look tense. Let me buy you a drink,” he purred.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Stocking Stuffers Under $30 Cat lovers will purr over these adorable bowls. —Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Nov. 2024

This little kitty purrs, walks, and even tumbles, giving my daughter all the fun of having another cat without the extra fur or midnight meows. —Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 2 Nov. 2024

Verb

As Stern’s Instagram posts have shown us, Bud has learned to use his litter box in front of the duo, has begun to accept cat treats from a human hand, and has even been purring in response to some gentle petting. —Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024

In the end, the best Persian cat isn’t the one that dazzles on stage but the one that purrs in your home. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

imitative

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1616, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1620, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

purr

noun

ˈpər

: a low murmuring sound of a contented cat

purr verb