What does "howl" mean?
The protracted, mournful cry of a dog, wolf or other canid; also of other animals.
Howl
/haʊl/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The protracted, mournful cry of a dog, wolf or other canid; also of other animals.
- Grammar: howl is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: air a grievance, animal noise, bang, bark.
- Useful contrasts: acquiescence, calm, consent.
- Usage evidence: What Alice, waiting for a reply, was faced with was a sudden howl. It was a resounding noise, sharp as to burst her ear drums, loud as to reach unto the heavens.
How to use "howl"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "howl" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "howl" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "howl" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "howl" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "howl" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "air a grievance" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "howl", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The protracted, mournful cry of a dog, wolf or other canid; also of other animals.
"[T]he fox was out on love-adventures, abused his rivals, and uttered scoffing screams and howls."
- 2 a long loud emotional utterance wordnet
- 3 Any similar sound.
"The howl of the wind"
- 4 a loud sustained noise resembling the cry of a hound wordnet
- 5 A prolonged cry of distress or anguish; a wail.
Show 1 more definition
- 6 the long plaintive cry of a hound or a wolf wordnet
Verb
- 1 To utter a loud, protracted, mournful sound or cry, as dogs and wolves often do.
"Methought a legion of foul fiends / Environ'd me about, and howled in my ears."
- 2 laugh unrestrainedly and heartily wordnet
- 3 To utter a sound expressive of pain or distress; to cry aloud and mournfully; to lament; to wail.
"Howl ye, for the day of the Lord is at hand."
- 4 make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles wordnet
- 5 To make a noise resembling the cry of a wild beast.
"They howled with laughter at the prank."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 emit long loud cries wordnet
- 7 To utter with outcry.
"to howl derision"
- 8 cry loudly, as of animals wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"What Alice, waiting for a reply, was faced with was a sudden howl. It was a resounding noise, sharp as to burst her ear drums, loud as to reach unto the heavens."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "howl"?
Common synonyms include: air a grievance, animal noise, bang, bark, barking, battle cry.
How do you use "howl" in a sentence?
What Alice, waiting for a reply, was faced with was a sudden howl. It was a resounding noise, sharp as to burst her ear drums, loud as to reach unto the heavens.
How do you pronounce "howl"?
Pronounced /haʊl/.
Etymology
From Middle English howlen, houlen, from Old English *hūlian, from Proto-West Germanic *hūilōn, from Proto-Germanic *hūwilōną, *hiuwilōną (“to howl”), perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *kū-, *kew- (“to howl, scream”). Likely of imitative origin. Cognate with Saterland Frisian huulje (“to howl”), Dutch huilen (“to cry”), Romanian a hăuli (“to howl”), Old French ouler, German Low German hulen (“to howl”), German heulen (“to howl”), Danish hyle (“to howl”), Swedish yla (“to scream, yell”), Northern Luri آلٛیر (āłir, “howl”).