howl

verb

Save Word

\ ˈhau̇(-ə)l

howled; howling; howls

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

Other Words from howl Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing howl Learn More About howl

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 on the Web On average, beagles and bloodhounds are more likely to howl. — Katie Shepherd, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Apr. 2022 Edgar loves to interact with others, has shown to be extremely social, is an expert at giving kisses and will even howl to show his happiness. — Adam Schwager, The Arizona Republic, 8 Apr. 2022 The wind continued to howl and shake the building all night. — CBS News, 28 Mar. 2022 Some are calm and bashful while others howl or jump, full of energy. — Tess Williams, Anchorage Daily News, 11 Mar. 2022 Unlike wolves or dogs, foxes do not howl or bark when greeting, but instead call out in a sharp yell. — Elissa Welle, Detroit Free Press, 18 Feb. 2022 Partisans howl about specific commentators, but the brand is so much bigger than any pundit. — Brian Stelter, CNN, 7 Feb. 2022 His vocals can howl, slither or croon, all with a bluesy fluidity and natural melodic sense. — Matt Wake | Mwake@al.com, al, 20 Jan. 2022 Known as the wolf moon, it was named after wolves that were thought to howl more frequently this time of year, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. — Katie Hunt And Megan Marples, CNN, 18 Jan. 2022 See More

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.

Learn More About howl

Dictionary Entries Near howl

howkit

howl

howler

Statistics for howl

Last Updated

7 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Howl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/howl. Accessed 19 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for howl

howl

verb

\ ˈhau̇l

howled; howling

Kids Definition of howl

(Entry 1 of 2)

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.

howl

noun

Kids Definition of howl (Entry 2 of 2)

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