scowl

1 of 2

verb

scowled; scowling; scowls

intransitive verb

1
: to contract the brow in an expression of displeasure
2
: to exhibit a threatening aspect

transitive verb

: to express with a scowl
scowler noun
scowlingly adverb

scowl

2 of 2

noun

: a facial expression of displeasure : frown

Examples of scowl in a Sentence

Verb scowled down at the misbehaving child Noun The teacher gave me a scowl when I walked in late. She responded to his question with a scowl.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
However, there has been a growing edge to Denver’s current group, personified on the field in the way safety Talanoa Hufanga flies to the ball and in the way Cooper scowls under his eye black. Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 Now our favorite scowling friend is getting his own movie, too. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
If Simmons’ Demon was Kiss’ scowl, then Frehley’s Spaceman was its cackle. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025 After a beat, Eilish is seen yanking herself away and storms off, surrounded by security with an angry scowl on her face. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scowl

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English skoulen, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish skule to scowl

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1520, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scowl was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scowl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scowl. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

scowl

1 of 2 verb
1
: to make a frowning expression of displeasure
2
: to exhibit or express with a scowl
scowler noun
scowlingly adverb

scowl

2 of 2 noun
: an expression of displeasure on the face : frown

More from Merriam-Webster on scowl

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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