purring

Verb

purr (third-person singular simple present purrs, present participle purring, simple past and past participle purred)

1. (intransitive) To make a vibrating sound in its throat when contented or in certain other conditions.
   • There was no one at home but a black cat, who was sitting quite content and purring on the hearth[.]1886, Peter Christen Asbjø￵rnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 278
2. (transitive) To say (something) in a throaty, seductive manner.
   • "This is Cindy," she purred again, flashing a smile of perfect white teeth surrounded by full red lips.2008, C. E. Osborne, Black Gold Death in the Sun, page 12
3. (intransitive) To make a vibrating throaty sound, as from pleasure.
   • He purred like a kitten when she massaged his neck.
4. (intransitive) To spend time enjoying and expressing pleasure (over something); to coo; to enthuse.
   • No woman receiving her first mink would ever put it directly into storage. She would try it on and purr over it.1971, Donald J. Sobol, More Two-Minute Mysteries, page 36
5. (intransitive) To make a low and consistent rumbling sound.
   • Beverly passed the city limits sign with the Porsche's motor purring contentedly after its two hundred and fifty-mile romp.2001, E. C. Craver, Last Reunion, page 159

See all 9 meanings of purr