growl

To growl is to make a deep, rumbling grrrrr sound in the throat, like a guard dog does at an intruder. Growling is typically interpreted as an attempt to intimidate or show hostility.

Growl can also be used as a noun to refer to such a sound, as in We heard a terrifying growl in the woods.

Growling is most often associated with dogs, but other animals can growl or make sounds that can be considered growls, such as bears. People can growl in this way—a young child might growl when throwing a tantrum.

In the context of people, though, the word is more commonly used in a figurative way meaning to say something in a low, gruff, angry tone, as in “Get out now!” he growled.

Sometimes, it’s used in the context of a thing that’s making a deep rumbling sound, as in Listen to that engine growl! or The growl of the thunder was moving closer.

Example: We’ve had the same mail carrier for years, but my dog still growls at her.

The first records of the word growl come from the 1300s. It comes from the Middle English groule, meaning “to rumble.” This word referred not to a rumbling of the throat but of the bowels.

We still use growl in this sense today—to say that your stomach is growling means that it is making rumbling sounds, typically because you’re hungry. Regardless of whether the word is used in this sense, the sense of a dog growling or a person saying something in a gruff tone, it always involves a low-pitched sound. And the word often implies that the sound is being made out of hostility or anger. Stomachs can’t get angry, of course, but saying that your stomach is growling can humorously imply that it’s upset because it wants more food.

The adjective growly can mean “resembling a growl,” but it can also mean “grouchy” or “irritable.”

What are some other forms related to growl?

• growlingly (adverb)
• growly (adjective)
• growler (noun)

What are some synonyms for growl?

• rumble
• grumble
• snarl

What are some words that often get used in discussing growl?

• dog
• bark
• stomach
• low-pitched
• threatening
• menacing
• angry
• grunt
• roar
• howl

Growl is most commonly used in a literal sense when referring to the threatening sound that dogs make, but it’s also commonly used in other ways.

Dog is staring out the window, growling at the falling snow.

— Terry Glavin 格立文 (@TerryGlavin) December 21, 2020

Question: What noise does an Owlbear make?

Do they make a hoot or a growl or is it some weird mixture of the two?

— Cameron Harrison 💛 (@clhharrison) December 5, 2020

I already brushed my teeth for the night but my stomach is growling 🥴

— Lil Rose🇬🇭 (@rosieisredd) December 14, 2020

Which of the following words would NOT be used to describe a growl?

A. menacing

B. rumbling

C. welcoming

D. low-pitched