What is a caterwaul?

A caterwaul is a long, drawn-out, and often unpleasant howling sound, typically made by a cat. It's also used figuratively to describe any loud, shrill, or discordant noise.

Here are some ways to describe a caterwaul:

* Sound: Loud, piercing, wailing, shrill, discordant, mournful

* Origin: A cat, a siren, a human voice, a musical instrument

* Feeling: Unpleasant, annoying, frightening, unsettling, mournful

Here are some examples of how the word "caterwaul" is used:

* "The cat caterwauled all night, keeping everyone awake."

* "The siren's caterwauling was enough to make your ears bleed."

* "The singer's caterwauling voice grated on the nerves."

Essentially, a caterwaul is a sound that's both unpleasant and attention-grabbing. It often evokes a feeling of unease or discomfort.