: 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
Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 5 July 2025
Similarly, another woman, navigating the recent passing of her own cat, found solace in the gentle purrs of potential new companions, encouraged by friends to embrace the healing presence a new feline could offer.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Her snow leopard lamp stretches its paws at dusk, then curls up, purring in moonlight.
—Katherine Larson
july 16, Literary Hub, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for purr
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Noun
Liam sounds ferociously on-form, his nasal snarl infused with a malevolent purr.
—Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 5 July 2025
Similarly, another woman, navigating the recent passing of her own cat, found solace in the gentle purrs of potential new companions, encouraged by friends to embrace the healing presence a new feline could offer.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Verb
Read more Viral Owner Goes on 5-Day Trip—Nothing Could Have Prepared Her for Dog's Reaction
While during separation, behavior didn't differ, but on reunion after four hours, cats purred and stretched significantly more.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Her snow leopard lamp stretches its paws at dusk, then curls up, purring in moonlight.
—Katherine Larson
july 16, Literary Hub, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for purr
Cite this Entry
“Purr.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purr. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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