What does growling mean?
Growling describes a low, rumbling sound or the act of making such a sound. It is most famously associated with dogs, which growl as a warning, a sign of unease, or a display of aggression, but the word also describes engines, empty stomachs, and other low continuous noises. Figuratively, a growling voice sounds harsh, threatening, or openly hostile, while growling about something can mean complaining or grumbling. As a noun, growling names the sound itself or the act of producing it. The word is flexible in everyday English and can make a familiar physical sensation vivid: a hungry person's stomach growls, an old vehicle growls, or a dog growls at an approaching stranger. It is also useful when describing a person's manner, especially when a low, forceful tone makes a warning or rebuke seem more intimidating.
To make a low, rumbling sound, especially in a threatening manner; to speak in a harsh, menacing tone; or to complain in a low, discontented way.
"The dog began growling when the doorbell rang."
The sound produced by an animal is often understood as a warning, although its exact meaning depends on context.
Characterized by a low rumbling sound or by a harsh, threatening manner.
"She entered the room with a growling stomach."
This participial adjective is especially common with sounds such as stomachs, engines, voices, and animals.
A low, rumbling, or threatening sound, or the act of making such a sound.
"At night, the old refrigerator's low growling filled the kitchen."
The noun is commonly used for animal sounds and can also describe the continuous rumble of machinery or a stomach.
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; the singular or uncountable use is much more frequent.
"The old engine's uneven growlings echoed in the garage."
One word can rumble in your stomach, warn from a dog, and scold in a low voice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does growling come from?
The English verb developed in Middle English as growlen and has roots in the older English gryllan, meaning “to growl.” Its imitative origin reflects the low, rumbling noise it describes, and comparable forms occur in other Germanic languages. The modern form growling adds the regular present-participle and gerund ending -ing to the older verb.
Related word forms
How growling is actually used
The word is common in both formal and informal English. Its sound-based uses are usually vivid and sensory, while figurative uses may convey irritation, hostility, or sustained complaint.
Easily confused with growling
Grumbling chiefly means complaining in a dissatisfied way, whereas growling primarily evokes a low rumbling sound and often suggests warning, irritation, or menace.