scowl

1 of 2

verb

ˈskau̇(-ə)l 

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

ˈskau̇-liŋ-lē 

adverb

scowl

2 of 2

noun

: a facial expression of displeasure : frown

Synonyms

Verb

• frown
• glare
• gloom
• glower
• lower
• lour

Noun

• face
• frown
• grimace
• lower
• lour
• moue
• mouth
• mow
• mug
• pout
• snoot

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

Verb

Today, there’s no reason for the Padres to be scowling. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025

The image, which shows Trump scowling to the camera for his booking shot at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, has become a symbol. —Alana Wise, NPR, 20 Feb. 2025

Noun

That whoop-ass machine is played with a fierce scowl by MMA fighter Michelle Waterson. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025

In body and scowl, Paquita radiated like the Disney villain Ursula — a character also inspired by a drag queen, famed actor and performer Divine — but in spirit and heart was far from the sea-dwelling witch who stole an innocent mermaid’s voice. —Alex Zaragoza, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for scowl

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

Kids Definition

scowl

1 of 2 verb

ˈskau̇(ə)l 

1

: to make a frowning expression of displeasure

2

: to exhibit or express with a scowl

scowler noun

scowlingly

ˈskau̇-liŋ-lē 

adverb

scowl

2 of 2 noun

: an expression of displeasure on the face : frown