/ pɜː(r); NAmE / verb
1.
[ v ] when a cat purrs , it makes a low continuous sound in the throat, especially when it is happy or comfortable
2.
[ v ] ( of a machine or vehicle ) to make a low continuous sound; to move making such a sound :
a purring engine
The car purred away.
3.
to speak in a low and gentle voice, for example to show you are happy or satisfied, or because you want to attract sb or get them to do sth :
[ v ]
He was purring with satisfaction.
[also v speech ]
► purr (also pur·ring ) noun [ sing. ]:
the purr of a cat / a car engine
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: imitative.