WordGarden.iocoo
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈuː/
US
- /ˈku/
Meanings
Verb
to make the soft low call of a dove or pigeon
to speak in a soft, affectionate way
Noun
a soft low call, especially from a dove or pigeon
a chief operating officer
Beyond the definition
You might hear doves coo, a soft, murmuring sound they make that's often linked with peace and calm. But "cooing" isn't just for birds! Parents will often coo at babies—making sweet sounds and speaking gently to comfort them. It can also describe a gentle, affectionate way of talking to someone you love; think of it as verbal cuddling. A boyfriend might coo at his girlfriend, or vice versa.
The sound itself is soft and musical, like a gentle hum. If someone is being particularly sweet and tender, you could say they're "cooing" over something—maybe a new puppy or a beautiful flower. It's all about expressing warmth and affection in a soothing way.
The word "coo" has a fascinating double life. Originally, it described the soft, murmuring sound made by doves and other birds—a gentle, throaty call often associated with peace and contentment. Think of a quiet afternoon, sunlight dappling through leaves, and the distant cooing of pigeons.
But over time, "coo" expanded to describe human behavior! We coo at babies—making soft sounds and often speaking in high-pitched tones to comfort and reassure them. This is an instinctive way for parents (and anyone caring for a baby) to express affection and build connection.
As a verb, "to coo" means to speak or sound in this gentle, soothing manner. You might coo at a loved one, expressing tenderness and admiration. It can also be used more broadly to describe someone being particularly affectionate or sentimental—"She was cooing over the new kitten."
The noun form refers both to the bird sound itself ("the soft coo of the dove") and to the act of making those gentle sounds ("He showered the baby with coos").
So, whether it's a peaceful avian melody or a tender expression of human affection, "coo" is all about softness, gentleness, and soothing connection.
Examples
- 1
Bird sound
Pigeons were cooing on the roof early in the morning.
- 2
Baby sounds
The baby lay in her crib, cooing happily at the mobile above her.
- 3
Soothing a baby
She picked him up and cooed to him until he stopped crying.
- 4
Affectionate reaction
Everyone cooed over the photos of the new puppy.
- Patterncoo over + person/thing
speak about someone or something in a very affectionate way
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- coonounverb
Forms
- coospluralnounverb
- cooing-ing formverbnoun
- cooedpast tenseverbnoun