Howl

Pronunciation

• enPR: houl, IPA: /haÊŠl/
• Rhymes: -aÊŠl

Origin

From Middle English (c.1220) houlen, probably imitative

Full definition of howl

Noun

1. The protracted, mournful cry of a dog or a wolf, or other like sound.
2. A prolonged cry of distress or anguish; a wail.

Verb

1. To utter a loud, protracted, mournful sound or cry, as dogs and wolves often do.
• DraytonAnd dogs in corners set them down to howl.
• ShakespeareMethought a legion of foul fiends
  Environ'd me about, and howled in my ears.
2. To utter a sound expressive of pain or distress; to cry aloud and mournfully; to lament; to wail.
• Bible, Isaiah xiii. 6Howl ye, for the day of the Lord is at hand.
3. To make a noise resembling the cry of a wild beast.
• Sir Walter ScottWild howled the wind.
4. To utter with outcry.to howl derision