IPA: /ˈjɔːpɪŋ/
KK: /jɔpɪŋ/
A loud and harsh sound or cry, often associated with shouting or complaining.
The yawping of the crowd could be heard from blocks away during the protest.
To make a loud, harsh cry or noise, often in a way that is annoying or disruptive.
The children were yawping with excitement as they played in the park.
Past: yawped
Past Participle: yawped
Yawping originates from the Middle English 'yawpen', which is imitative in nature, meaning to make a loud, harsh cry or noise. The word is likely derived from the Old English 'geapian', meaning to yelp or cry out. Thus, 'yawping' refers to making a loud, yelping noise.
Imagine a loud, harsh cry that sounds like a yelp — that's what yawping means, connecting the idea of making a loud noise with the Old English roots.