prowl

1 of 2

verb

ˈprau̇(-ə)l 

prowled; prowling; prowls

intransitive verb

: to move about or wander stealthily in or as if in search of prey

transitive verb

: to roam over in a predatory manner

prowl

2 of 2

noun

: an act or instance of prowling

see also:

on the prowl

Examples of prowl in a Sentence

Verb

a tiger prowling in the jungle

He moved like a tiger prowling the jungle.

The police were prowling the streets in their patrol cars.

He liked to prowl the streets late at night.

I prowled the store looking for sales.

I prowled through the store looking for sales.

Noun

a prowl through the bookshop

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The team entered this season with its strongest roster since the ’90s, when Pat Riley prowled the sideline and Patrick Ewing manned the paint. —Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 Feb. 2026

He and others were charged with loitering or prowling and misdemeanor obstruction, two charges that were ultimately dismissed after pretrial diversion. —Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 11 Feb. 2026

Noun

Cupid will be on the prowl this Valentine's Day weekend, hunting down potential targets to unleash a volley of amorous arrows onto unsuspecting mortals. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 14 Feb. 2026

The Bills have dominated the AFC East so far this decade, but the New England Patriots are back on the prowl, and the two rivals will face off in New England this weekend. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English prollen

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1803, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing prowl

• on the prowl
• prowl car

Rhymes for prowl

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

Kids Definition

prowl

verb

ˈprau̇(ə)l

1

: to move about or wander in a secretive manner in or as if in search of prey

2

: to roam over like a wild beast

prowl the streets

prowl noun

prowler noun