Howl Meaning
/ˈhaʊ̯l/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe protracted, mournful cry of a dog, wolf or other canid; also of other animals.
nounAny similar sound.
Sentence Examples
His voice was drowned out by the wraith's sudden howl.
I cannot howl like a jackal. I'm a goat!
CEFR Practice Quiz
The wolves began to ____ at the full moon high on the hill.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We could hear the lonely wolf ____ at the bright full moon deep in the forest.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English howlen, houlen, from Old English *hūlian, from Proto-West Germanic *hūilōn, from Proto-Germanic *hūwilōną, *hiuwilōną (“to howl”), perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *kū-, *kew- (“to howl, scream”). Likely of imitative origin. Cognate with Saterland Frisian huulje (“to howl”), Dutch huilen (“to cry”), Romanian a hăuli (“to howl”), Old French ouler, German Low German hulen (“to howl”), German heulen (“to howl”), Danish hyle (“to howl”), Swedish yla (“to scream, yell”), Northern Luri آلٛیر (āłir, “howl”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"[T]he fox was out on love-adventures, abused his rivals, and uttered scoffing screams and howls."
— 1886, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 117:
"All at once the cat thrust her paw inside the ring again, but the tailor was quick as lightning and chopped the paw off. The cats set up a terrible howl, and away they rushed through the door as fast as they could."
— 1886, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 159:
"Dan was beginning to feel very depressed when suddenly the eerie howl of a dingo rang out[.]"
— 1943, H. Lorna Bingham, The Lost Tribe, Sydney: Winn and Co., page 13, column 2:
"Methought a legion of foul fiends / Environ'd me about, and howled in my ears."
— c. 1593 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Richard the Third: […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene iv]:
"VVhen ominus ſignes to ſhew themſelues began, / That novv at hand this monſtrous birth fore-ran: / About at noone flew the affrighted Ovvle, / And dogs in corners ſet them dovvne to hovvle: […]"
— 1627, Michaell [i.e., Michael] Drayton, “[Elegies upon Sundry Occasions.]”, in The Battaile of Agincourt. […], London: […] [Augustine Matthews] for William Lee, […], →OCLC, page 223:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The wolves began to ____ at the full moon high on the hill.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
We could hear the lonely wolf ____ at the bright full moon deep in the forest.