Meaning

The wrinkling of the brows or face in frowning; the expression of displeasure, sullenness, or discontent in the countenance; an angry frown..

Definitions by Sense

1. The wrinkling of the brows or face in frowning; the expression of displeasure, sullenness, or discontent in the countenance; an angry frown.
2. (by extension) Gloom; dark or threatening aspect.
3. (intransitive) To wrinkle the brows, as in frowning or displeasure; to put on a frowning look; to look sour, sullen, severe, or angry.
4. (intransitive, by extension) To look gloomy, dark, or threatening; to lower.
5. (transitive) To look at or repel with a scowl or a frown.
6. (transitive) To express by a scowl.
7. (UK, dialect, obsolete) Old workings of iron ore.

Example Sentences

She made a scowl.

Mr. Pynsent, who had asked Miss Amory to dance, came up on one occasion to claim her hand, but scowls of recognition having already passed between him and Mr. Arthur Pendennis in the dancing-room, Arthur suddenly rose up and claimed Miss Amory as his partner for the present dance […]

She scould, and frownd with froward countenaunce

The scowling heavens.

to scowl a rival into submission

to scowl defiance

Word Forms

• scowls
• scowling
• scowled

Synonyms for scowl

Related Words

When Should You Use Scowl?

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

Practice This Word

Frequently Asked Questions