Definition of howl
intransitive verb
1 : to emit a loud sustained doleful sound characteristic of members of the dog family
2 : to cry out loudly and without restraint under strong impulse (such as pain, grief, or amusement)
3 : to go on a spree or rampage
transitive verb
1 : to utter with unrestrained outcry
2 : to drown out or cause to fail by adverse outcry —used especially with down
howl
nounIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of howl in a Sentence
The dogs were howling at the moon.
several coyotes began howling close by as the sun went down
Recent Examples of howl from the Web
-
But in subsequent statements about the proposal, Trump incorrectly described it as a joint enforcement body, rather than a rule-making one – leading it to be howled down by critics in Washington.
-
The male chacma are about twice the size of females and aggressively fight one another and engage in howling competitions to establish dominance.
-
Lightning cracked the sky and howling winds blew rain sideways throughout the early morning hours Wednesday.
-
But this rather obvious problem did not keep single-payer advocates from within and beyond the state from howling in fury at Rendon.
-
Jared tells the freshmen about the Banza, a hairy, howling monster who kills smart students, including his own former roommate.
-
Just stirring the shreds together with sugar failed, but a quick simmer in sugar syrup was a howling success.
-
Where: Howl at the Moon, 20 E Georgia St. What's noteworthy: Celebrate Independence Day with nonstop music and drinks at Howl at the Moon Indianapolis.
-
The George W. Bush administration was more secretive than the Clinton administration; the press howled; and Bush got reelected.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'howl.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of howl
Middle English houlen; akin to Middle High German hiulen to howl
HOWL Defined for English Language Learners
howl
playDefinition of howl for English Language Learners
-
of a dog, wolf, etc. : to make a long, loud cry that sounds sad
-
of the wind : to make a long, loud sound
-
: to cry out loudly in pain, anger, amusement, etc.
HOWL Defined for Kids
Definition of howl for Students
howled
;howling
1 : to make a loud long mournful cry or sound Wolves howled at the moon. Wind was howling through the trees.
2 : to cry out loudly (as with pain or amusement) The audience howled with laughter.
Definition of howl for Students
1 : a loud long mournful sound made by dogs and related animals (as wolves)
2 : a long loud cry (as of distress, disappointment, or rage) A howl … of dismay went up from the creatures … — C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Learn More about howl
-
See words that rhyme with howl Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for howl Spanish Central: Translation of howl Nglish: Translation of howl for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of howl for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up howl? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!