howl
- to utter a loud, prolonged, mournful cry, as that of a dog or wolf.
- to utter a similar cry in distress, pain, rage, etc.; wail.
- to make a sound like an animal howling: The wind howls through the trees.
- Informal. to go on a spree; enjoy oneself without restraint.
- to utter with howls: to howl the bad news.
- to drive or force by howls (often followed by down): to howl down the opposition.
- the cry of a dog, wolf, etc.
- a cry or wail, as of pain, rage, or protest.
- a sound like wailing: the howl of the wind.
- a loud, scornful laugh or yell.
- something that causes a laugh or a scornful yell, as a joke or funny or embarrassing situation.
Origin of howl
Related Words for howled
moan, growl, groan, yelp, wail, roar, whimper, hoot, outcry, shriek, bellow, clamor, lament, whine, bawl, bay, keen, shout, quest, barkExamples from the Web for howled
Contemporary Examples of howled
The Scythians doing this howled with joy, according to the Father of History.
If Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker were mayor of Chicago, labor and allies would have howled him down.
The president had howled with laughter and sent Buckey, his personal aide, out to find her missing shoe.
But whether they were good or not, he howled when he told them.
Historical Examples of howled
Hippy said he pounded and shouted and howled and wailed and pounded some more.
Grace Harlowe's Return to Overton CampusJessie Graham Flower
Then we howled the top of the roof off, and I for one fell in love with Carlin on the spot.
American NotesRudyard Kipling
"For the last time I give you the opportunity," the Mercutian howled—in English.
Slaves of MercuryNat Schachner
"You shall pay for this," howled the Mercutian, finding voice again.
Slaves of MercuryNat Schachner
One of the Indians then stationed himself as a decoy, and howled like a wolf.
King PhilipJohn S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) Abbott
howl
- a long plaintive cry or wail characteristic of a wolf or hound
- a similar cry of pain or sorrow
- slang
- a person or thing that is very funny
- a prolonged outburst of laughter
- electronics an unwanted prolonged high-pitched sound produced by a sound-producing system as a result of feedback
- to express in a howl or utter such cries
- (intr) (of the wind, etc) to make a wailing noise
- (intr) informal to shout or laugh
Word Origin for howl
Word Origin and History for howled
howl
early 13c., houlen, probably ultimately of imitative origin; similar formations are found in other Germanic languages. Related: Howled; howling. As a noun from 1590s.