howl

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   The protracted, mournful cry of a dog, wolf or other canid

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

   • [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[.]
2. 2

   Any similar sound.

   • The howl of the wind
3. 3

   A prolonged cry of distress or anguish

   A prolonged cry of distress or anguish; a wail.

4. ›+ 4 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To utter a loud, protracted, mournful sound or cry, as dogs and wolves often do.

      • 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: […]
   2. 5

      To utter a sound expressive of pain or distress

      To utter a sound expressive of pain or distress; to cry aloud and mournfully; to lament; to wail.

      • Howl ye, for the day of the Lord is at hand.
   3. 6

      To make a noise resembling the cry of a wild beast.

      • They howled with laughter at the prank.
      • Wild howl'd the wind the forest glades along, / And oft the owl renew'd her dismal song; […]
   4. 7

      To utter with outcry.

      • to howl derision

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