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Synonyms

howling

American  
[hou-ling] / ˈhaʊ lɪŋ /

adjective

  1. producing or uttering a howling noise.

    a howling mob.

  2. desolate, dismal, or dreary.

    a howling wilderness.

  3. Informal. very great; tremendous.

    a howling success.


howling British  
/ ˈhaʊlɪŋ /

adjective

  1. informal (prenominal) (intensifier)

    a howling success

    a howling error

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of howling

1250–1300; Middle English houlinge (gerund); see howl, -ing 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Howling desert winds set the tone of a high school hallway smackdown; a few scenes later, a bedroom fist fight climaxes with a clatter of bells, thunderclaps and an eagle screech.

From New York Times • Apr. 27, 2023

“A visitor...first notices The Howling Wilderness Saloon, built similar to the first saloon by that name in Virginia City, Nevada, in 1868, but serving only food, soft drinks and beer,” the Signal reported.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2023

Howling Laud Hope is in his 80s - are there any thoughts of retirement?

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2023

Non-stop Dogwear, Ruffwear and Howling Dog Alaska are brands that sell appropriate skijoring gear.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 7, 2023

“No no no, Your Howling Lordship! Kitty is not for chasing!”

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

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