growling

1 of 2

adjective

growl·​ing ˈgrau̇-liŋ 

: marked by a growl

a low growling voice

listened to the growling thunder

growlingly

ˈgrau̇-liŋ-lē 

adverb

growling

2 of 2

present participle of growl entry 1

Examples of growling in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Any growling or negative reactions shouldn’t be punished, as the dog is just showing their unhappiness. — Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

Sometimes animatronic and growling, sometimes staring out dead-eyed, classic and static. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2022

Under this gesturing, growling, fiery sprite of a dude, the team is sturdier, more focused, playing harder, playing smarter. — Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2021

Getty Images / AndreyPopov) Going to bed with a growling stomach isn’t great, either. — Lindsey Vickers, USA TODAY, 29 Apr. 2020

But be mindful of the wind, which can turn Lyon Oaks into a growling beast. — Carlos Monarrez, Detroit Free Press, 7 June 2019

Who can forget the wonder embedded in gifts of ribbon candy, or the crackling fat of the roasted pig that signaled abundance and the passing of years, or the growling hunger of a long winter? — Alissa Wilkinson, Vox, 25 May 2018

The world's complex environmental issues demand open minds, fresh perspectives, and less growling. — Keith Kloor, Discover Magazine, 22 June 2012

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1752, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for growling

• bowling
• coaling
• doling
• holing
• poling
• polling
• rolling
• scrolling
• shoaling
• strolling
• tolling
• trolling