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verb C1 Advanced

prowl

prowl

Prowl (verb) means to move about quietly and stealthily, especially while hunting or searching for something. Example: “The tiger prowled through the tall grass, stalking its prey.”

verb
1
To move about quietly and stealthily, especially while hunting or searching for something.
"The tiger prowled through the tall grass, stalking its prey."
"A suspicious man was seen prowling around the parked cars."
noun
1
The act of prowling, especially as in the phrase "on the prowl."
"The cat went out on the prowl after dark."

How to use prowl

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMoving around quietly, often with predatory or suspicious intent.

Common pairings
on the prowl prowl the streets prowling around

Word forms

prowled past tense, prowls plural, prowls singular

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The tiger _____ through the tall grass, stalking its prey.

Etymology

From Middle English prollen, of uncertain origin.

Origin: Middle English

Related words

Rhymes for prowl

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Frequently asked questions

What does “prowl” mean?

The word “prowl” means to move about quietly and stealthily, especially while hunting or searching for something. In plain terms, moving around quietly, often with predatory or suspicious intent.

How do you pronounce “prowl”?

“Prowl” is pronounced prowl (/pɹaʊl/ in IPA).

How do you use “prowl” in a sentence?

Here is “prowl” used in a sentence: “The tiger prowled through the tall grass, stalking its prey.”

What part of speech is “prowl”?

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

Where does the word “prowl” come from?

The word “prowl” comes from Middle English. From Middle English prollen, of uncertain origin.

How many meanings does “prowl” have?

“Prowl” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move about quietly and stealthily, especially while hunting or searching for something.

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