yell
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /jˈɛl/
US
- /ˈjɛl/
Description
- shout loudly
- call out loudly
- cry out
To yell is to shout loudly, often because you are angry, excited, scared, or trying to get someone's attention from far away. It is stronger than normal speaking and is meant to be heard clearly. People may yell at a sports game when their team scores, yell in frustration when something goes wrong, or yell for help in an emergency. A child might yell because they are frightened. Sometimes it is necessary, but often it can sound harsh, especially when someone does it at another person.
To yell means to shout or cry out loudly, usually expressing strong emotion like anger, excitement, fear, or urgency. It's a vocal outburst that aims to be heard over noise or distance. For example, "The coach yelled instructions from the sidelines," or "She yelled with joy when she received the good news."
Yelling isn't always negative. A lifeguard might yell warnings to swimmers, and parents sometimes yell encouragement at their children during a performance. However, it's often associated with anger or frustration. "He yelled at his son for leaving his toys scattered around the room" implies displeasure and scolding.
The context of yelling is important. Yelling in a crowded stadium is normal; yelling in a library is disruptive. Prolonged or aggressive yelling can be considered abusive, while a quick yell to alert someone to danger could be life-saving.
Historically, yelling was used to communicate over long distances before modern technology existed. Think of town criers announcing the news. Today, while we have phones and megaphones, people still yell as a direct and powerful way to express themselves. Whether it is a cheer of triumph, a warning, or a cry for help, yelling is a strong vocal expression that cuts through noise.
Examples
- 1
Sports
The coach yelled from the sidelines, but I only caught the last few words.
- 2
Conflict
Please don't yell at me in front of the kids.
- 3
Emergency
She yelled for help when she smelled smoke.
- 4
Household
Dad yelled that dinner was ready.
- 5
Classroom
A few people yelled out the answer before the teacher finished the question.
Phrase
yell out
say something loudly and suddenly
- 6
Loud background
He had to yell over the music to order a drink.
Pattern
yell over + noise
speak loudly enough to be heard above it
- 7
Crowd reaction
The fans let out a yell when the final goal went in.
Phrase
let out a yell
suddenly make a loud cry
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- yellnounverb
Forms
- yelling-ing formverbnoun
- yelledpast tenseverbnoun
- yellspluralnounverb