howling

[ hou-ling ]

adjective

1. producing or uttering a howling noise:

   a howling mob.

2. desolate, dismal, or dreary:

   a howling wilderness.

3. Informal. very great; tremendous:

   a howling success.

howling

/ ˈhaʊlɪŋ /

adjective

1. informal.
   prenominal (intensifier)

   a howling error

   a howling success

Derived Forms

• ˈhowlingly, adverb

Other Words From

• howling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of howling¹

1250–1300; Middle English houlinge (gerund); howl, -ing ²

Example Sentences

She and her cat, Stella, made it through the howling wind and torrential rain fine.

From Los Angeles Times

Through a series of voice notes and calls, Perkins took BBC News through the storm as it barrelled through her community, bringing howling winds and saturating the area with rain.

From BBC

The Padres fans were, instead, the portrait of strength and sportsmanship, roaring and waving yellow towels until finally howling themselves hoarse when Tanner Scott struck out Shohei Ohtani looking in the eighth inning to end the Dodgers’ best last chance.

From Los Angeles Times

While Kristofferson did sing himself, his greatest hits were those performed by others, including Ray Price singing "For the Good Time," Janis Joplin howling "Me and Bobby McGee," and the Grateful Dead, Michael Bublé, Gladys Knight and the Pips and Al Green all bringing his music to life.

From Salon

Some of the works were removed shortly after appearing, while one, a howling wolf sprayed on a satellite dish in Peckham, south-east London, was seemingly stolen.

From BBC

Related Words

• amusement
• chuckle
• giggle
• glee
• guffaw
• hilarity
• laugh
• mirth
• roar
• shout
• shriek
• snicker