scowl

1 of 2

verb

ˈskau̇(-ə)l 

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

ˈskau̇-liŋ-lē 

adverb

scowl

2 of 2

noun

: a facial expression of displeasure : frown

Synonyms

Verb

• glare
• stare
• frown

Noun

• grimace
• 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

Verb

Cena has been delivering his signature sharp mic work, routinely dominating verbal exchanges while Paul has been forced to scowl while the master gets in all of his barbs and sons him at every opportunity. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025

His Teddy is a skeevy, scowling hippie incel who seems to have burnt everything out of himself but the desire for vengeance. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025

Noun

Klára tries to keep him away but Berend, a sweaty, sour beast of a man who wears a permanent scowl, insistently shoves his way into the household. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025

Serve up in a stemmed glass, and garnish with a scowl, or perhaps a war story. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 July 2025

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

Rhymes for scowl

• foul
• foule
• fowl
• growl
• howl
• jowl
• owl
• prowl
• afoul
• wildfowl
• waterfowl

Kids Definition

scowl

1 of 2 verb

ˈskau̇(ə)l 

1

: to make a frowning expression of displeasure

2

: to exhibit or express with a scowl

scowler noun

scowlingly

ˈskau̇-liŋ-lē 

adverb

scowl

2 of 2 noun

: an expression of displeasure on the face : frown