purr

Everyday

1. When a cat purrs, it makes a low, soft, rumbling sound in its throat, usually when it is happy. tree →
2. A purr is that sound. tree →
3. A machine such as an engine purrs when it makes a quiet, smooth humming sound. tree →

In the lessons

In stories a purr tells the reader a cat is calm and content (though cats sometimes purr when hurt or scared too); for engines it means running smoothly. Phrases: «purr loudly», «a soft purr», «purr with pleasure».

Examples

• The kitten purred on my lap. tree →
• I could feel the cat's purr when I stroked her. tree →
• Our cat purrs whenever you scratch behind her ears. tree →
• The new car's engine purred quietly. tree →
• Lions cannot purr, but they can roar. tree →
• She heard a gentle purr from under the blanket. tree →
• The cat purred loudly and closed its eyes. tree →
• “Nay,” purred Bagheera, “that may not be. tree →

Note

Double the r before -ed and -ing: purred, purring. Do not confuse with «per» or «pur-». A purring cat is usually happy, but a sick or frightened cat may purr too, so it is not a promise you can pick it up.