scowl

1 of 2

verb

scowled; scowling; scowls

intransitive verb

1
: to contract the brow in an expression of displeasure
2
: to exhibit a threatening aspect

transitive verb

: to express with a scowl
scowler noun
scowlingly adverb

scowl

2 of 2

noun

: a facial expression of displeasure : frown

Examples of scowl in a Sentence

Verb scowled down at the misbehaving child Noun The teacher gave me a scowl when I walked in late. She responded to his question with a scowl.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
Bruce, now 69, appears to be holding the camera and scowling into the lens. Jack Smart, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024 The Collegeville outfit came with the mask of a scowling pirate with an open eye-patch that looked more like a black eye and a sickly green pallor that would shiver the timbers of the saltiest sea dog. René Guzman, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Oct. 2024
Noun
The New Orleans rapper was shirtless in both photos, sporting an incredulous expression in the first and an angry scowl in the second. Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 11 Sep. 2024 Even Trump’s scowl in his booking photo made its way onto mugs and NFTs in his campaign store. Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scowl 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English skoulen, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish skule to scowl

First Known Use

Verb

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

Noun

circa 1520, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scowl was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near scowl

Cite this Entry

“Scowl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scowl. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

scowl

1 of 2 verb
1
: to make a frowning expression of displeasure
2
: to exhibit or express with a scowl
scowler noun
scowlingly adverb

scowl

2 of 2 noun
: an expression of displeasure on the face : frown

More from Merriam-Webster on scowl

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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