howl

[ houl ]

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.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter with howls:

   to howl the bad news.

2. to drive or force by howls (often followed by down ):

   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

/ 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

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 Words From

• outhowl verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of howl¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of howl¹

C14: houlen ; related to Middle High German hiuweln, Middle Dutch hūlen, Danish hyle

Example Sentences

The night before the fire exploded, the eerie howl of the Santa Ana winds kept some awake.

From Los Angeles Times

At any of these times, an announcement by the Post that it would not be endorsing – preceding that of the Los Angeles Times – would have brought howls of outrage.

From Salon

These are air raid sirens, screams and howls.

From Salon

As with any Budget, as one MP says, "we all have a shopping list", and every squeeze on spending will have an accompanying howl of: how could you?

From BBC

His reaction to this latest bit of ferocity was downright fierce, an angrily thrown bat and an extended howl.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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