What is howl? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of howl in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of howl

howlverb

/haʊl//haʊl/

Where does the word howl come from?

The origins of the word "howl" can be traced back to the Old English word "hulián" or "hulan," which meant "to make loud noises, cry, or yowl, especially in a hulking or fearful way." Although today the word "howl" is most commonly associated with the sound of wolves, the original meaning of the word referred to any loud and fearsome noise. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer specifically to the sound made by wolves and other wild canids. In Middle English, the word "houlen" began to appear to describe the wolf's howl, and by the 15th century, the modern form of the word "howl" was established. The origin of the word is unclear, but it is thought that "hulián" may have evolved from the Germanic root "hulon," which meant "rough, rugged, or wild," or from the Old Norse "hulr," which meant "monster." In any case, the word "howl" has come to be a powerful and evocative description of the primal and haunting sound made by wolves in the wild.

Vocabulary summary howl

typenoun

meaninghowl, howl (wolf); hiss (wind); howl (pain); scream; shout

examplewolf howls: the wolf howled

examplewind howls through the trees

exampleto howl with pain

meaning(radio) hiss

typejournalize

meaninghowl, howl; screech, howl; scream; shout

examplewolf howls: the wolf howled

examplewind howls through the trees

exampleto howl with pain

meaningcry (child)

meaningboo (mockery...)

Example of vocabulary howlnamespace

meaning

to make a long, loud call

  • the sound of wolves howling in the night
meaning

to make a loud noise when you are angry, in pain, etc. or you find something funny

  • The child howled in pain.
  • We howled with laughter.
  • The baby was howling (= crying loudly) all the time I was there.
meaning

to blow hard and make a long loud noise

  • The wind was howling around the house.
meaning

to say something loudly and angrily

  • The crowd howled its displeasure.
  • ‘Ouch!’ howled Ricky.

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