noun Uncommon

frown

FROWN

Frown (noun) means a facial expression made by lowering the eyebrows, usually showing displeasure, worry, or concentration. Example: “A deep frown crossed her face as she read the letter.”

noun

A facial expression made by lowering the eyebrows, usually showing displeasure, worry, or concentration.

"A deep frown crossed her face as she read the letter."

"He tried to work out the puzzle, a frown fixed on his forehead."

verb

To make this expression, especially to show disapproval or unhappiness.

"She frowned at the mess in the kitchen."

"He frowned when he heard the news."

To disapprove of something (usually as "frown on/upon").

"The company frowns on employees using personal phones during meetings."

How to use frown

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo pull your eyebrows together to show you are unhappy, worried, or disapproving.

Common pairings

frown at someone frown on/upon something a deep frown

Word forms

frowned past tense, frowns plural, frowns singular

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A deep _____ crossed her face as she read the letter.

Etymology

From Middle English frounen, "to frown," originally describing a threatening or lowering appearance, as of storm clouds.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

View more →

scowl

Related words

glare scowl

Rhymes for frown

own down town gown sown brown blown flown grown known crown clown

See all rhymes for frown →

Frequently asked questions

What does “frown” mean?

The word “frown” means a facial expression made by lowering the eyebrows, usually showing displeasure, worry, or concentration. In plain terms, to pull your eyebrows together to show you are unhappy, worried, or disapproving.

How do you pronounce “frown”?

“Frown” is pronounced FROWN (/ˈfɹaʊ̯n/ in IPA).

How do you use “frown” in a sentence?

Here is “frown” used in a sentence: “A deep frown crossed her face as she read the letter.”

What is another word for “frown”?

Words with a similar meaning to “frown” include scowl.

What part of speech is “frown”?

Depending on how it is used, “frown” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “frown” come from?

The word “frown” comes from Middle English. From Middle English frounen, "to frown," originally describing a threatening or lowering appearance, as of storm clouds.

Is “frown” a common word?

“Frown” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “frown” have?

“Frown” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a facial expression made by lowering the eyebrows, usually showing displeasure, worry, or concentration.

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