What does yowler mean?
A yowler is, literally, a person or animal that yowls—a deep, prolonged cry that may be heard from a dog, a wolf, or a person raising a loud protest. The word can therefore describe either an animal given to sustained howling or, figuratively, a person whose complaints or objections become especially loud, insistent, or theatrical. “The farm dog was an inveterate yowler” refers to the animal’s voice; “a yowler at every decision” portrays someone who protests noisily. In modern usage, the figurative sense is especially noticeable, and it can carry a mildly disparaging tone because being called a yowler suggests that a person is making more noise than substance. Yowler belongs to English and is formed from yowl plus the familiar suffix -er, which converts the cry into the name of the creature or person making it. Although it is broadly understood in British and American English, yowler is more literary than everyday. Its uncommon status makes it especially useful for vivid description, whether the subject is an animal’s voice or a person’s conspicuous clamour.
nounA person or animal that yowls; by extension, a person who complains or protests loudly, especially in a prolonged or theatrical manner.
- A person or animal that yowls.
- A person who complains or protests loudly, especially in a prolonged or theatrical way.
"The dog was such a yowler that the whole kennel joined in."
"The farm dog was an inveterate yowler, setting off the other animals whenever a storm approached."
"He became a yowler, objecting to every suggestion at the top of his voice."
The standard plural is yowlers.
"Several yowlers could be heard behind the barn."
A yowler literally turns the distinctive cry of a yowl into a name for the creature—or noisy person—responsible for it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of yowler
Yowler is an English formation made from yowl and the agent-forming suffix -er, literally meaning “one that yowls.” The base yowl has long been used in English for a deep, prolonged cry. Adding -er allowed the word to name both the animal producing such a cry and, figuratively, a person who complains or protests loudly.
How yowler is actually used
More literary or characterful than everyday usage. The figurative sense can sound teasing or mildly disparaging, suggesting that someone is making more noise than substance.
Easily confused with yowler
A yeller shouts loudly, while a yowler characteristically yowls or makes sustained, theatrical complaints.