prowl

American  

[proul] / praʊl /

verb (used without object)

1. to rove or go about stealthily, as in search of prey, something to steal, etc.

   Synonyms:

   roam

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verb (used with object)

1. to rove over or through in search of what may be found.

   The cat prowled the alleys in search of food.

noun

1. act of prowling.

idioms

1. on the prowl, in the act of prowling; searching stealthily.

   The cat is on the prowl for mice.

prowl British  

/ praʊl /

verb

1. to move stealthily around (a place) as if in search of prey or plunder

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noun

1. the act of prowling

2. 1. moving around stealthily

   2. zealously pursuing members of the opposite sex

Related Words

See lurk.

Other Word Forms

• prowler noun
• prowlingly adverb
• unprowling adjective

Etymology

Origin of prowl

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English prollen; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

“Let’s get to work. Operators, to your battle stations,” instructed Maliuk as he prowled the room, according to video footage.

From The Wall Street Journal

Maria Fuertes, 43, and her daughter had prowled the area for more than seven hours, since 9 a.m., shopping for outfits for a December wedding.

From Los Angeles Times

The prowling bassline of National Anthem and the slamming drum loops of Idioteque, in particular, give the audience ample opportunity to jump up and down.

From BBC

Even as their nemesis prowled the nursery, the Horrible Incorrigibles whined, punched, dueled, and pirouetted all the way to the bakehouse.

From Literature

The drivers prowled the sidewalk, angling for customers.

From Literature

Related Words

• lurk
• roam
• scavenge
• skulk
• slink
• stroll
• tramp