howl

[houl]

verb (used without object)

1. to utter a loud, prolonged, mournful cry, as that of a dog or wolf.

2. to utter a similar cry in distress, pain, rage, etc.; wail.

3. to make a sound like an animal howling.

   The wind howls through the trees.

4. Informal.,  to go on a spree; enjoy oneself without restraint.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter with howls.

   to howl the bad news.

2. to drive or force by howls (often followed bydown ).

   to howl down the opposition.

noun

1. the cry of a dog, wolf, etc.

2. a cry or wail, as of pain, rage, or protest.

3. a sound like wailing.

   the howl of the wind.

4. a loud, scornful laugh or yell.

5. something that causes a laugh or a scornful yell, as a joke or funny or embarrassing situation.

howl

/ haʊl /

noun

1. a long plaintive cry or wail characteristic of a wolf or hound

2. a similar cry of pain or sorrow

3. slang

   1. a person or thing that is very funny

   2. a prolonged outburst of laughter

4. electronics an unwanted prolonged high-pitched sound produced by a sound-producing system as a result of feedback

verb

1. to express in a howl or utter such cries

2. (intr) (of the wind, etc) to make a wailing noise

3. informal,  (intr) to shout or laugh

Other Word Forms

• outhowl verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of howl¹

1300–50; Middle English hulen, houlen (v.); cognate with Dutch huilen, Low German hülen, German heulen, Danish hyle; akin to Old Norse ȳla

Word History and Origins

Origin of howl¹

C14: houlen ; related to Middle High German hiuweln, Middle Dutch hūlen, Danish hyle

Example Sentences

When writing and performing with the group, she’ll sometimes turn her nationally delicate voice into a snarl or a howl — resisting any temptation to ever let it all get too sweet.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They veiled the stage in gauze on “Copy of A,” casting dozens of Reznor shadows while he strutted and howled about a despondent, depersonalized modernity.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If the Home Office wasn't such a secure bomb-proof building, we might have been able to hear howls from its ministerial corridors echo around the Royal Courts of Justice, two miles away.

Read more on BBC

“What in the wide world of football are you doing?” he howled at a player.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

They don't reside in the goldfish bowl, they are not susceptible to the howls of protest from fans - the players booed off again - so they're distant and maybe more patient as a consequence.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• groan 
• growl 
• hoot 
• moan 
• outcry 
• roar 
• shriek 
• wail 
• whimper 
• yelp