purr

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of purrnext
: 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 adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Honey is ready to bring love, purrs and playful cuddles to her forever home. Arkansas Online, 8 Mar. 2026 For many of us, our truest Valentine has four legs, a wagging tail, a gentle purr or a happy chirp. Cathy M. Rosenthal, San Antonio Express-News, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Something happens when that sound of a purring cat comes from the camera. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 Mar. 2026 Hot chocolate, ’90s rom-coms, purring kittens, and the best luxury throw blankets. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purr

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of purr was circa 1616

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purr. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

purr

noun
ˈpər
: a low murmuring sound of a contented cat
purr verb

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