prowl

[proul]

verb (used without object)

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

   Synonyms: roam

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.

prowl

/ praʊl /

verb

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

noun

1. the act of prowling

2. 1. moving around stealthily

   2. zealously pursuing members of the opposite sex

Other Word Forms

• prowlingly adverb
• unprowling adjective
• prowler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prowl¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of prowl¹

C14 prollen, of unknown origin

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

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

   The cat is on the prowl for mice.

Synonym Study

See lurk.

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on Literature

The drivers prowled the sidewalk, angling for customers.

Read more on Literature

“Foreign correspondents and intelligence agents are probably prowling around near the Kremlin. It doesn’t pay to show that we’re nervous. Let them think we’re peacefully asleep in our beds.”

Read more on Literature

Related Words

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