yell
0 antonyms and opposites of yell, grouped by meaning.
Verb — To shout loudly, especially out of anger, excitement, or fear.
How to use yell
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English giellan, meaning "to yell" or "to resound" — related to words for shrieking sounds across the older Germanic languages.
Full origin of yell →Frequently asked questions
What does “yell” mean?
The word “yell” means to shout loudly, especially out of anger, excitement, or fear. In plain terms, to shout loudly, often because you are angry, excited, or scared.
How do you pronounce “yell”?
“Yell” is pronounced yehl (/jɛl/ in IPA).
How do you use “yell” in a sentence?
Here is “yell” used in a sentence: “He yelled at the driver who cut him off.”
What part of speech is “yell”?
Depending on how it is used, “yell” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “yell” come from?
The word “yell” comes from Old English. From Old English giellan, meaning "to yell" or "to resound" — related to words for shrieking sounds across the older Germanic languages.
Is “yell” a common word?
“Yell” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “yell” have?
“Yell” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to shout loudly, especially out of anger, excitement, or fear.
What is the difference between yell and scream?
Yell means to shout loudly, often out of anger, excitement, or fear, while scream usually implies a higher-pitched, more piercing sound, often associated with pain or terror. Yell is more commonly used for raised, forceful speech, whereas scream emphasizes the sharpness of the sound itself.
What is the difference between yell and shout?
Yell and shout are very close in meaning, both describing loud vocal expression, but yell can carry a stronger connotation of anger or emotional intensity, especially in the sense of scolding someone loudly. Shout is often more neutral and can simply mean speaking loudly to be heard over distance or noise.
Can yell be used as a noun?
Yes, yell can be a noun referring to a loud shout or a set phrase chanted as a group, such as a sports team's yell. This noun usage is common in contexts like cheerleading or crowd chants.