WordGarden.iohowl
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈaʊl/
US
- /ˈhaʊl/
Meanings
Verb
to make a long, loud cry like a dog or wolf
to cry out loudly from pain, laughter, or strong emotion
to make a long, loud wailing sound, especially of wind
Noun
a long, loud cry made by an animal
a loud human cry of pain, laughter, protest, or excitement
a long, loud wailing sound, especially from wind
Beyond the definition
A howl is a long, loud cry. We often connect it with wolves or dogs, but people can do it too when they feel something strongly. Someone might howl with laughter, howl in pain, or howl in grief. The word can also describe a sound like the wind in a storm or a siren in the street. It usually suggests a sound that is strong, wild, and hard to ignore.
To howl means to make a long, loud, mournful cry—often associated with animals like wolves or coyotes, but also used to describe human expressions of intense emotion. It's more than just yelling; a howl carries a sense of wildness, desperation, or raw feeling.
Historically, howling was a way for wolves to communicate across long distances, signaling their presence and coordinating hunts. This primal connection is why we often associate howls with loneliness, wilderness, and the untamed parts of nature.
But humans howl too! We might howl with laughter at something incredibly funny, or howl in grief over a loss. A strong wind can even be said to howl as it rushes through trees. You could describe a siren's wail as a howl, emphasizing its piercing and urgent sound.
The word evokes a sense of vulnerability and unrestrained emotion, whether coming from an animal in the wild or a person expressing deep feelings. It's a powerful vocalization that cuts through silence and demands attention. So next time you hear something described as a howl, think about that long, drawn-out cry—a sound filled with both sorrow and strength.
Examples
- 1
Wild animals
At night, we could hear wolves howling in the hills.
- 2
Pet reaction
The dog started to howl when the siren went past.
- 3
Physical pain
He howled in pain when he touched the hot pan.
- 4
Loud laughter
The whole room howled with laughter at her joke.
- Phrasehowl with laughter
laugh very loudly
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Weather sound
Wind howled through the broken windows all night.
- 6
Frustration
She let out a howl of frustration when the computer crashed.
- Patternlet out a howl of + feeling
suddenly make a loud cry that shows that feeling
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- howlnounverb
Forms
- howling-ing formverbnoun
- howlspluralnounverb
- howledpast tenseverbnoun