growly

American  

[grou-lee] / ˈgraʊ li /

adjective

growlier, growliest

1. resembling a growl in pitch and harshness.

   This cold has made my voice growly.

2. irritable; grouchy.

---

Usage

What does growly mean? Growly means resembling a growl—a deep, rumbling grrrrr sound made in the throat, like a guard dog makes when there is an intruder. The verb growl means to make such a sound. Growling is typically interpreted as an attempt to intimidate or show hostility. Growling is most often associated with dogs, but other animals can make growly sounds, such as bears. People can do this, too—a young child might make growly noises when throwing a tantrum. Sometimes, it’s used in the context of a thing that’s making a deep rumbling sound, as in There were a lot of growly engine noises coming from the garage. In the context of people, the word growl 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. For this reason, the word growly is sometimes used to mean grouchy or irritable. Example: You know how growly he can get before he’s had his morning coffee.

Other Word Forms

• growliness noun

Etymology

Origin of growly

First recorded in 1915–20; growl + -y ¹

Example Sentences

There are people who prefer their sports growly and can’t stand the sight of players hugging and postgame jersey swaps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

“Over my career, I’ve been in the ring with some of the biggest, some of the baddest dudes on the planet,” the 70-year-old Hogan said in the growly voice he wields at stage villains.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 19, 2024

“We still hear when they thought we would die,” Bourelly raps with a growly defiance and unabashed positivity.

From New York Times • Feb. 24, 2023

Despite being three feet high, Chucky is hyper-masculine with a growly, deep voice.

From Salon • Oct. 6, 2022

“I never had the choice,” he says, sounding just the slightest bit growly.

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz