purr

noun

/pɜː(r)/

/pɜːr/

(also purring)

[singular]

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the low continuous sound that a cat makes in its throat, especially when it is happy or comfortable
- the purr of a cat
a low continuous sound that a machine or vehicle makes when it moves or functions
- the purr of a car engine
a way of speaking that uses a low and gentle voice, for example to show you are happy or satisfied, or because you want to attract somebody or get them to do something
- ‘Hello darling,’ she said with a purr.

verb

/pɜː(r)/

/pɜːr/

Verb Forms

present simple I / you / we / they purr	/pɜː(r)/ /pɜːr/
he / she / it purrs	/pɜːz/ /pɜːrz/
past simple purred	/pɜːd/ /pɜːrd/
past participle purred	/pɜːd/ /pɜːrd/
-ing form purring	/ˈpɜːrɪŋ/ /ˈpɜːrɪŋ/

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[intransitive] when a cat purrs, it makes a low continuous sound in the throat, especially when it is happy or comfortable
- The cat was purring contentedly on my lap.
Topics Animalsc2
[intransitive] (of a machine or vehicle) to make a low continuous sound; to move making such a sound
- a purring engine
- The car purred away.
Extra Examples
- She turned the key and the engine purred to life.
- The car purred smoothly along the narrow lane.
Topics Transport by car or lorryc2
[intransitive, transitive] (+ speech) to speak in a low and gentle voice, for example to show you are happy or satisfied, or because you want to attract somebody or get them to do something
- He was purring with satisfaction.

Word Originearly 17th cent.: imitative.