bawl
Bawl (verb) means to shout loudly, often in anger or to be heard over noise. Example: “The coach bawled instructions from the sideline.”
How to use bawl
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo shout or cry very loudly, without holding back.
Often paired with "out," as in "bawl someone out," which means to scold them harshly.
Word forms
bawled past tense, bawls plural, bawls singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The coach _____ instructions from the sideline.
Etymology
From Middle English "baulen," related to Old Norse and Latin words for bellowing or roaring, ultimately imitating the sound itself.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for bawl
See all rhymes for bawl →Frequently asked questions
What does “bawl” mean?
The word “bawl” means to shout loudly, often in anger or to be heard over noise. In plain terms, to shout or cry very loudly, without holding back.
How do you pronounce “bawl”?
“Bawl” is pronounced bawl (/bɔːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “bawl” in a sentence?
Here is “bawl” used in a sentence: “The coach bawled instructions from the sideline.”
What part of speech is “bawl”?
“Bawl” is a verb.
Where does the word “bawl” come from?
The word “bawl” comes from Latin. From Middle English "baulen," related to Old Norse and Latin words for bellowing or roaring, ultimately imitating the sound itself.
How many meanings does “bawl” have?
“Bawl” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to shout loudly, often in anger or to be heard over noise.