noun Uncommon

howl

HOWL

Howl (noun) means the long, mournful cry of a wolf, dog, or similar animal. Example: “A wolf's howl echoed across the valley.”

noun

The long, mournful cry of a wolf, dog, or similar animal.

"A wolf's howl echoed across the valley."

"The dog let out a howl every time the siren passed."

A loud cry of pain, distress, or laughter from a person.

"He let out a howl of pain when he stubbed his toe."

verb

To make a long, loud, mournful cry, as a wolf or dog does.

"The wind howled through the empty streets."

"Wolves howled somewhere in the dark forest."

To cry out loudly in pain, anger, or laughter.

"The baby howled until someone picked her up."

"The crowd howled with laughter at the joke."

How to use howl

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA long, loud cry — from a wolf, the wind, or a person in pain, anger, or fits of laughter.

Common pairings

howl in pain howl with laughter the wind howled a wolf howl

Word forms

howled past tense, howls plural, howls singular

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A wolf's _____ echoed across the valley.

Etymology

From Old English roots meaning "to howl," almost certainly an imitation of the sound itself — much like similar words in German (heulen) and Dutch (huilen).

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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roar howling wail yawl yaup yowl wrawl yammer ululate ululation

Related words

speak cry screaming thunder scream shout roar roaring

Rhymes for howl

owl bowl fowl cowl growl scowl prowl

See all rhymes for howl →

Frequently asked questions

What does “howl” mean?

The word “howl” means the long, mournful cry of a wolf, dog, or similar animal. In plain terms, a long, loud cry — from a wolf, the wind, or a person in pain, anger, or fits of laughter.

How do you pronounce “howl”?

“Howl” is pronounced HOWL (/ˈhaʊ̯l/ in IPA).

How do you use “howl” in a sentence?

Here is “howl” used in a sentence: “A wolf's howl echoed across the valley.”

What part of speech is “howl”?

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

Where does the word “howl” come from?

The word “howl” comes from Old English. From Old English roots meaning "to howl," almost certainly an imitation of the sound itself — much like similar words in German (heulen) and Dutch (huilen).

Is “howl” a common word?

“Howl” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “howl” have?

“Howl” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the long, mournful cry of a wolf, dog, or similar animal.

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speak cry screaming thunder scream shout roar roaring