Meaning

The protracted, mournful cry of a dog, wolf or other canid; also of other animals..

Definitions by Sense

1. The protracted, mournful cry of a dog, wolf or other canid; also of other animals.
2. Any similar sound.
3. A prolonged cry of distress or anguish; a wail.
4. To utter a loud, protracted, mournful sound or cry, as dogs and wolves often do.
5. To utter a sound expressive of pain or distress; to cry aloud and mournfully; to lament; to wail.
6. To make a noise resembling the cry of a wild beast.
7. To utter with outcry.

Example Sentences

[T]he fox was out on love-adventures, abused his rivals, and uttered scoffing screams and howls.

All at once the cat thrust her paw inside the ring again, but the tailor was quick as lightning and chopped the paw off. The cats set up a terrible howl, and away they rushed through the door as fast as they could.

Dan was beginning to feel very depressed when suddenly the eerie howl of a dingo rang out[.]

The howl of the wind

Methought a legion of foul fiends / Environ'd me about, and howled in my ears.

VVhen ominus ſignes to ſhew themſelues began, / That novv at hand this monſtrous birth fore-ran: / About at noone flew the affrighted Ovvle, / And dogs in corners ſet them dovvne to hovvle: […]

Howl ye, for the day of the Lord is at hand.

They howled with laughter at the prank.

Word Forms

• howls
• howling
• howled

Synonyms for howl

Related Words

When Should You Use Howl?

Use howl when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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