coo

/kuː/ (bre, ipa) · [kˈu] /kuː/ (ame, ipa) · [kˈu] /ˈkü/ (ame, mw)

coo — verb

  • coopresent simple I / you / we / they
  • coos3rd person singular
  • cooing-ing form
  • cooedpast simple

1. if a dove, pigeon, or similar bird coos, it gives a quiet, rounded call that sou

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

if a dove, pigeon, or similar bird coos, it gives a quiet, rounded call that sounds soft and repeated

例句

Two pigeons cooed on the station roof before sunrise.

bird + coo for a repeated soft call

A white dove was cooing outside Noor's kitchen window.

同義詞
  • warble

    used for richer, more musical birdsong

  • twitter

    used for short, light bird sounds rather than the round call of doves

文法句型

bird + coo

coo from + place

用法筆記

The subject is usually a dove, pigeon, or another bird with a similar soft call. When a person speaks in a sweet voice, use sense 2 instead.

常見錯誤

❌The old radio cooed in the corner.
✅The old radio hummed in the corner.
💡coo is used for soft bird calls, not machine noise.

2. to talk in a warm, sweet voice, especially when showing love, delight, or admira

2.動詞不及物C1
釋義

to talk in a warm, sweet voice, especially when showing love, delight, or admiration

例句

Emily cooed over the baby and kissed the child's tiny hand.

coo over + baby

Eitan cooed, 'What a lovely cake,' when Emma set it down.

coo + direct speech

同義詞
  • murmur

    soft voice, but often neutral rather than loving

  • croon

    soft and affectionate, often with a musical quality

  • gush

    shows excited praise more than a gentle tone

反義詞
  • snap

    speak in a sharp, unfriendly way

文法句型

coo over + noun

coo to + person or animal

coo + direct speech

用法筆記

Often used with over, to, or a line of direct speech. It usually suggests a noticeably affectionate tone, and can sound exaggerated if the speaker is praising too warmly.

常見錯誤

❌The guide cooed the safety rules to the group.
✅The guide explained the safety rules to the group.
💡coo suggests affection or delight, not neutral instruction.

coo — noun