cooee
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /kuːˈiː/
KK: /kuːˈiː/
noun
Definition
A loud call used to get someone's attention from far away, often heard in the Australian bush.
Example
He let out a cooee to signal his friends who were far away.
Conversation
Have you ever heard someone do a cooee in the bush?
Yeah, I have! It's such a unique sound.
I think it's a great way to get someone's attention from far away.
Definitely! I love how it echoes through the trees.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
call
signal
holler
Antonyms
silence
quiet
muteness
verb
Definition
To call out loudly in a way that is often used to attract attention, especially in the Australian bush.
Example
She cooee'd to her friends from across the field.
Tense Forms
Past: cooee'd
Past Participle: cooee'd
Conversation
Hey, did you hear that? I think I just heard someone cooee from the park.
Oh really? That's a bit unusual, isn't it?
Yeah, I wonder if they're trying to get someone's attention or just having fun with it.
Root Explanation
The word 'cooee' originates from the Australian Aboriginal language, specifically from the Ngunnawal people, meaning a call used to attract attention or to communicate over distances. It is an onomatopoeic expression that mimics the sound made when calling out.
Memory Tip
Imagine someone calling out to get attention over a long distance — that's what 'cooee' represents, as it is a sound used to communicate.
Visually Confused Words
cooree
cookee
coohee
coree