: a low vibratory murmur typical of an apparently contented or pleased cat
purred; purring; purrs
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
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
Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
The duo quickly became inseparable, with footage capturing their adorable cuddles and Marble's soothing purrs as William clings to Marble's soft fur.
—Ronnie Li, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
There’s also a theory that kittens born to a feral mother are discouraged from purring to prevent attracting the attention of predators.
—Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for purr
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Noun
The frequency of a cat's purr, usually between 25 to 150 hertz, has therapeutic effects on a person's body and mind, according to an article from Inspira Health Network.
—Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
The duo quickly became inseparable, with footage capturing their adorable cuddles and Marble's soothing purrs as William clings to Marble's soft fur.
—Ronnie Li, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
Even when Gideon gets irritated and bites Craig, the ginger cat simply purrs in response.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
There’s also a theory that kittens born to a feral mother are discouraged from purring to prevent attracting the attention of predators.
—Joan Morris, The Mercury News, 2 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for purr
Cite this Entry
“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purr. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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