What does howl mean?
To howl is to produce a loud, prolonged cry or wail, often from pain, fear, grief, or distress, although the word can also describe the sounds of animals, wind, or other forces. People also howl with laughter, a figurative expression for laughing loudly and without restraint. As a noun, a howl is the cry itself: a dog’s mournful howl, the howl of the wind, or the howl of an audience in delight or anger. The word is vivid and emotionally charged, so it is especially effective in descriptions of startling, extreme, or memorable sound. Although it can refer to a shout in a broad sense, it generally suggests more force and duration than a simple yell.
To make a loud, prolonged wail or cry; to produce a sustained sound like that of an animal or the wind.
"The wolves howled in response to the distant gunshot."
Figuratively, it is commonly used with “laughter” and can describe a person or thing that is extremely successful or popular.
A loud, prolonged cry or wail, whether made by a person, an animal, or the wind.
"A howl of wind shook the windows of the old house."
The noun can also denote a loud cry of laughter, delight, or anger.
Used when referring to individual cries or sustained sounds, especially the cries of animals or the sounds of wind.
"The howls of the pack echoed through the forest."
Howl links a human cry, a dog's mournful voice, the wind's rising roar, and even unrestrained laughter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does howl come from?
The word comes from Old English hūwian, meaning “to howl,” with the related noun hūwl. It developed through Middle English howlen and howle, and ultimately belongs to the Germanic language family. Comparable forms exist in Dutch huilen, German heulen, and Swedish hyla, all expressing the idea of a loud cry or howl.
Related word forms
How howl is actually used
In its literal senses, “howl” is strongly associated with prolonged, intense, and often mournful sound. The expression “howl with laughter” is conventional and idiomatic, while “howling” can also describe a very successful or highly popular person or thing.