First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
howl
verb \ˈhau̇(-ə)l\
of a dog, wolf, etc. : to make a long, loud cry that sounds sad
of the wind : to make a long, loud sound
: to cry out loudly in pain, anger, amusement, etc.
Full Definition of HOWL
intransitive verb
1
: to emit a loud sustained doleful sound characteristic of members of the dog family
2
: to cry out loudly and without restraint under strong impulse (as pain, grief, or amusement)
3
: to go on a spree or rampage
transitive verb
1
: to utter with unrestrained outcry
2
: to drown out or cause to fail by adverse outcry —used especially with down
— howl noun
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Origin of HOWL
Middle English houlen; akin to Middle High German hiulen to howl
HOWL Defined for Kids
1howl
verb \ˈhau̇l\
howledhowl·ing
Definition of HOWL for Kids
1
: to make a loud long mournful cry or sound <Wolves howled at the moon.> <Wind was howling through the trees.>
2
: to cry out loudly (as with pain or amusement) <The audience howled with laughter.>
2howl
noun
Definition of HOWL for Kids
1
: a loud long mournful sound made by dogs and related animals (as wolves)
2
: a long loud cry (as of distress, disappointment, or rage) <A howl … of dismay went up from the creatures … — C. S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe>
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