howl

verb

ˈhau̇(-ə)l 

howled; howling; howls

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 noun

Synonyms of howl

• scream
• shriek
• wail
• yell

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

That way, their songs can be carried farther to potential mates, without the noisy interruption of a howling wind. —Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026

Much like the snowstorm outside Williams Arena, the winds howled in another direction with Hopkins getting to the hoop and scoring 17 of the final 20 points for a 32-28 lead at the break. —Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026

Because this particular wolf doesn’t just howl. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Mar. 2026

Every trip down and back left his lungs howling. —Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English houlen; akin to Middle High German hiulen to howl

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing howl

• howl with laughter

Rhymes for howl

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

Kids Definition

howl

verb

ˈhau̇(ə)l 

1

: to make a long loud mournful sound like that of a dog

2

: to cry out loudly (as with pain, grief, or amusement)

howled in protest

howling with laughter

3

: to drown out or cause to fail by an outcry

howled down the opposition

howl noun