scowl

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

Synonyms of scowl

• glare
• stare
• frown

Examples of scowl in a Sentence

scowled down at the misbehaving child

Recent Examples on the Web

Modern tiki tends to take a lighter touch, using more abstract graphics, less imagery of women and scowling gods. —Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026

But there’s more to Brind’Amour than the person fans see screaming and scowling behind the bench or stomping around the dressing room in a postwin video looking like some combination of Godzilla and Chris Farley’s famous Matt Foley character. —Cory Lavalette, New York Times, 7 May 2026

Leaving home without a hat, scarf, gloves, umbrella, and/or scowl. —Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026

My sister was scowling and pacing the path outside my mother’s flat. —Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

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