noun
yelp
yehlp
Yelp (noun) means a short, sharp, high-pitched cry. Example: “The puppy let out a yelp when it stepped on the sharp rock.”
noun
1
A short, sharp, high-pitched cry.
"The puppy let out a yelp when I stepped on her tail."
"The puppy let out a yelp when it stepped on the sharp rock."
verb
1
To make a short, sharp, high-pitched cry.
"She yelped in surprise when the cold water hit her."
How to use yelp
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA quick, high-pitched shout, often from pain or surprise, common with dogs too.
Common pairings
yelp in pain
yelp in surprise
a sharp yelp
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Word forms
- Plural
- yelps
- Third person singular
- yelps
- Past tense
- yelped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The puppy let out a _____ when it stepped on the sharp rock.
Etymology
From Old English gielp, originally meaning "boasting" or "pride" — the meaning shifted over time to describe a sharp cry rather than a boast.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “yelp” mean?
The word “yelp” means a short, sharp, high-pitched cry. In plain terms, a quick, high-pitched shout, often from pain or surprise, common with dogs too.
How do you pronounce “yelp”?
“Yelp” is pronounced yehlp (/jɛlp/ in IPA).
How do you use “yelp” in a sentence?
Here is “yelp” used in a sentence: “The puppy let out a yelp when it stepped on the sharp rock.”
What part of speech is “yelp”?
Depending on how it is used, “yelp” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “yelp” come from?
The word “yelp” comes from Old English. From Old English gielp, originally meaning "boasting" or "pride" — the meaning shifted over time to describe a sharp cry rather than a boast.
How many meanings does “yelp” have?
“Yelp” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short, sharp, high-pitched cry.
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