# purr

/ˈpɝ/ (US) · /pˈɜː/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/purr
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

the soft, rhythmic sound that a cat makes when it is happy or relaxed. It is a low, vibrating noise that you can often feel as well as hear.

For teachers: a low, continuous, vibrating sound produced by a cat, typically indicating contentment or relaxation. Often used in the context of feline behavior or as a metaphor for a smooth, rhythmic engine sound.

## Examples

- The cat began to purr as soon as I sat down.
- The old engine made a deep purr as it idled in the driveway, showing it was still in good condition.
- While the kitten was initially skittish, it soon began to purr softly against the speaker's chest, signaling a shift from fear to trust.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.