yelp
Yelp (noun) means a short, sharp, high-pitched cry. Example: “The puppy let out a yelp when it stepped on the sharp rock.”
How to use yelp
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA quick, high-pitched shout, often from pain or surprise, common with dogs too.
Word forms
yelped past tense, yelps plural, yelps singular
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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