What does howling mean?
“Howling” describes a loud, prolonged cry or a sustained, mournful sound. It is especially associated with animals, such as wolves or dogs, but it can also characterize the noise of a strong wind, a gale, or an engine. Because the sound suggested by the word is intense and emotionally charged, “howling” can figuratively express extreme feeling or remarkable success. The established phrase “a howling success” is a familiar, emphatic way of saying that something has been exceptionally successful, while “a howling gale” evokes the violent, ominous sound of powerful wind. The word is common in both British and American English, although descriptions of wind and storms in it often have a literary quality. Its associations with open-mouthed cries, darkness, and wildness give it a vivid emotional force that explains its frequent use in narrative writing and descriptive speech.
Characterized by a loud, prolonged cry or a sustained, mournful sound; figurative: extremely successful or remarkable.
"They set off across the heath in a howling gale."
The figurative expression “a howling success” is informal and strongly enthusiastic.
Present participle of “howl,” meaning to cry or vocalize loudly and continuously.
"The dog was howling at the thunder."
Used as a present participle in continuous constructions and as a modifier.
The wind howls, wolves howl, and hungry babies howl—three very different performers share the same piercing voice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does howling come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old English forms ultimately associated with an imitative root for a hollow or prolonged cry. It belongs to a Germanic word family that includes Dutch “huilen,” German “heulen,” and Danish “hyle,” all words imitating a similar cry. The verb “howl” developed into “howling” as a present participle and adjective; the related noun “howler” refers both to an animal that howls and, informally, to something exceptionally successful.
Related word forms
How howling is actually used
The word is vivid and somewhat literary when describing wind or noise. In figurative use, especially in the expression “a howling success,” it is informal and strongly emphatic.