Pronunciation: [kˈatəwˌɔːl] (IPA) 
Caterwaul is a word that is often misspelled due to its unusual pronunciation. The correct spelling of this word is /ˈkætərwɔl/. The first syllable, "cat", is pronounced as it appears and the second syllable, "er", sounds like the letter "e". The "waul" part sounds like "wall", but with a "w" sound at the beginning. Caterwaul is a verb that means to make a shrill, discordant sound, usually made by cats during mating season.
The term "caterwaul" refers to a loud and dissonant noise, typically produced by a group of animals or humans in distress, confusion, or mating scenarios. The word is often used in a derogatory manner to describe a shrill, wailing, or screeching sound that is unpleasant to the ear.
Derived from the Old English roots "cater," meaning to cry, and "waul," meaning to yowl, the word "caterwaul" can be used both as a noun and a verb. As a noun, it signifies the actual noise itself, while as a verb, it describes the act of emitting such a sound.
The term can be applied to various situations, such as describing the eerie howling of a group of cats in heat, or the loud and cacophonous wailing that arises from a heated argument or disagreement amongst humans. It suggests a lack of harmony, order, or pleasantness, often provoking a sense of annoyance or discomfort in listeners.
In literature, the term is occasionally used metaphorically to depict a clamor or outcry that is not necessarily auditory, but rather a figurative representation of chaos, strife, or discord. It adds a vivid and evocative quality to descriptions, allowing readers to imagine chaotic scenes or unsettling situations through auditory imagery.
To make a noise, as cats at night under the influence of the sexual instinct; to make a harsh disagreeable noise.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "caterwaul" originated from Middle English and has an interesting etymology. It combines two elements: "cater" and "waul".
The term "cater" in Middle English meant "to cry like a cat", derived from the Old English word "cittian", meaning "to call, cry out". Cats are known for their vocalizations and can produce loud and often unsettling sounds, particularly during mating seasons or when fighting.
The second part of the word, "waul", is also an old term referring to the cry or wail of an animal. It can be traced back to the Middle English word "wawelen", which means "to wail, lament".
