growl

verb

\ ˈgrau̇(-ə)l

growled; growling; growls

Definition of growl

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : rumble his stomach growled

b : to utter a growl the dog growled at the stranger

2 : to complain angrily

transitive verb

: to utter with a growl : utter angrily

growl

noun

Definition of growl (Entry 2 of 2)

: a deep guttural inarticulate sound

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about growl

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Examples of growl in a Sentence

Verb

I could hear a dog growling behind me. My stomach's been growling all morning. “What do you want?” he growled. He's always growling about the government.

Noun

The dog gave a menacing growl. He answered my question with a growl. We could hear a growl of thunder in the distance.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

To ensure your protection, dogs will also bark at guests, growl at other dogs when outside and pull on the leash while out for a walk. — Alexandra Gekas, Woman's Day, "9 Things Your Dog Is Trying to Tell You, According to Experts," 25 Feb. 2019 Behind its stupendous grille, Gladys’s Bulldog 9-liter growls at maximum torque (850 lb-ft) at a mere 1,200 rpm. — Dan Neil, WSJ, "When WSJ’s Car Critic Played Fireman for a Day...," 31 Aug. 2018 Early on in Anna and the Apocalypse, the new Scottish Christmas zombie high school musical, the protagonist, Anna (Ella Hunt), hears a disgusting growling grunt from behind her. — Noah Berlatsky, The Verge, "Why zombies are so hilarious," 5 Dec. 2018 There are lots of POV shots down shadowy corridors, from which pale-faced figures leap and growl. — Noel Murray, latimes.com, "Review: Irish found-footage horror film 'The Devil's Doorway' can't escape clichés," 12 July 2018 On the flip side, a less tractable cat (say, one who growls or hisses when frightened) may scratch and claw her way out of your lap to avoid the procedure. — Dr. Rob Sharp, Country Living, "Can I Cut My Cat's Nails at Home?," 10 Mar. 2010 There’s the simple fact that your growling, crampy stomach can wake you up. — Nina Bahadur, SELF, "8 Reasons You're Waking Up Mid-Sleep, and How to Fix Them," 11 Aug. 2018 If hazing is not effective and a coyote is showing aggressive behavior such as growling or snapping, remove yourself and your pet from the area and contact Milwaukee County Parks, police said. — Karen Pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wauwatosa Police warn of aggressive coyotes at Milwaukee County Grounds," 6 July 2018 Animals also can't display threatening behaviors such as growling, snarling or lunging. — Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY, "Do's (and don'ts) of flying with an emotional support animal," 31 Jan. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Then, as if someone flipped a switch, the dog stood on his hind legs and with a raspy growl tried to sink its fangs into my right shoulder blade. — Roy Berendson, Popular Mechanics, "I Never Expected My Work Jacket to Fend Off a Dog Attack—But I'm Glad It Did," 13 Nov. 2018 With her enormous liquid-brown eyes and voice that swings effortlessly from a deep, smoky growl to a breathy high pitch, Cabello is a temptress with a sense of humor, a geek unafraid to make fun of herself. — Kimberly Cutter, Marie Claire, "The Other Side of Camila Cabello," 14 Nov. 2018 Once the weird burning smell from the room’s heater went away, I was lulled to sleep by its gentle growl. — Crystal Paul, The Seattle Times, "A nightmare drive down the Pacific Coast Highway conjures childhood memories," 7 Aug. 2018 There’s no subwoofer, and two speakers can’t reach that low-end growl on their own. — Chris Welch, The Verge, "Roku TV Wireless Speakers review: easy listening," 29 Nov. 2018 Parker said to the newspaper in a low growl, slowly drawing out the words. — Jeffrey Collins, The Seattle Times, "Body left to rot in funeral home 3 years leads to charges," 27 Aug. 2018 The speaker either played a happy human sound (a laugh) or an angry human sound (a growl). — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Horses may understand human emotion, especially anger," 6 Sep. 2018 The twin-turbo V-6 jumps from the line with a satisfying but not overwhelming warble that can erupt into a growl. — Robert Duffer, chicagotribune.com, "That's a Kia? Stinger puts a buzz in performance sedans," 30 Jan. 2018 Garcia’s upper-register cries, low-note growls and fast-flying passages attested to the expressive range and technical command of his work. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "Drummer Dana Hall shows the beauties of Spring," 19 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'growl.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

15 Mar 2019

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Time Traveler for growl

The first known use of growl was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for growl

growl

verb

English Language Learners Definition of growl

(Entry 1 of 2)

of an animal : to make a deep threatening sound

: to make a low sound like the sound of a growling animal

: to say (something) in an angry way

growl

noun

English Language Learners Definition of growl (Entry 2 of 2)

: a deep sound made by an animal also : a similar sound

See the full definition for growl in the English Language Learners Dictionary

growl

verb

\ ˈgrau̇l

growled; growling

Kids Definition of growl

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : to make a deep threatening sound The dog growled.

2 : to make a low rumbling noise My stomach is growling.

3 : to complain or say in an angry way “Only use them when we absolutely have to,” growled Azaz disgustedly.— Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth