howl

American  

[houl] / haʊl /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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)

Etymology

Origin of howl

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

Example Sentences

There is so much to shout and angst about - or might I say howl at the moon about.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

We can howl about how this stuff hurts the business of up-and-coming fighters, but aging punchers grabbing late checks is a staple of the trade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

It’s easier to howl at a classic like “Dr. Strangelove,” which mocked the leaders giddyuping the planet’s destruction, than at a present-day satire where we ourselves are the joke.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

It’s kind of a howl into the night of an artist being left behind.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

The weather systems, with winds of up to 200 miles per hour that howl up from Antarctica, are one reason it is so treacherous.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong

Related Words

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