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Barking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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barking

[ˈbɑːrkɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound of a dog

The act of making a sharp, loud, explosive sound typically associated with dogs.

Synonyms

growling, howling, yapping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
barking

Used to describe the sound that dogs make, especially when they are excited, scared or warning of danger.

  • The dog was barking loudly at the stranger
  • / She heard dogs barking in the distance
howling

Describes a long, loud sound made by dogs or wolves, often when they are lonely, sad, or communicating over long distances.

  • Wolves could be heard howling in the night
  • / The dog was howling because it missed its owner
yapping

Used to describe the short, high-pitched barks of small dogs. Often implies annoyance or incessant noise.

  • The little dog wouldn't stop yapping at the guests
  • / She found the yapping of the neighbor's dog very irritating
growling

Refers to a low, rumbling noise that dogs or other animals make when they are angry, threatened, or warning others.

  • The dog started growling as the man approached
  • / A growling dog can be very intimidating

Examples of usage

  • I woke up to the barking of my neighbor's dog.
  • The barking in the distance indicated that the hound was on the scent.
Context #2 | Verb

dogs

The sound a dog makes when it is making loud, sharp, explosive vocalizations.

Synonyms

growl, howl, yap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
barking

Similar to 'bark,' this term focuses on the ongoing or repetitive action of barking. Often used when talking about the noise level or frequency.

  • The constant barking of the neighbor's dog kept me awake all night
  • She couldn't concentrate because of the barking outside
yap

Refers to a high-pitched, sharp bark made by small dogs. Often has a slightly negative connotation, implying that the noise is annoying or incessant.

  • The little dog wouldn't stop yapping at the mailman
  • Her yappy dog drove the neighbors crazy
growl

Used to describe a low, guttural sound made by dogs or other animals when they are angry or threatened. This word often carries a sense of warning or aggression.

  • The dog growled at the stranger approaching the house
  • The cat growled softly, warning the other animals to stay away
howl

Describes a long, mournful sound made by dogs, wolves, or other canines. Often associated with pain, sorrow, or communication over long distances.

  • The wolf howled at the moon
  • The dog howled in pain after stepping on a sharp object

Examples of usage

  • The dog was barking loudly at the mailman.
  • The dogs barking in unison echoed through the neighborhood.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Animal Communication

  • Dogs bark for various reasons like alerting owners, expressing excitement, or signaling distress.
  • Different dog breeds have unique barking styles; some bark loudly while others have softer barks.
  • Research shows that dogs can recognize different barks, including those that indicate playfulness or aggression.

Cultural References

  • In literature and movies, barking often symbolizes loyalty, alertness, or the role of a protector.
  • The phrase 'barking up the wrong tree' means to pursue a wrong course of action, showing how the term has permeated everyday language.
  • Barking is often prominently featured in children's stories to depict the friendly nature of dogs, reinforcing their role as companions.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that humans often interpret dog barks based on tone, pitch, and intensity, leading to a better understanding of animal emotions.
  • People often feel safer and more secure in their homes when they have a dog that barks, as it can deter intruders.
  • The emotional bond between humans and dogs may increase when owners respond to their barking effectively, fostering better communication.

Science

  • Scientifically, barking is considered a vocalization made primarily by domestic dogs as a form of expressing their needs or feelings.
  • Dogs have a special laryngeal structure that allows for greater vocal flexibility compared to many other animals.
  • Research into dog vocalizations has led to better training methods that consider the reasons behind barking.

Origin of 'barking'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bark' comes from the Old English word 'beorcan', which means to bark or cry out.
  • Its origins can be traced back to languages such as Germanic and Latin, showing a deep historical connection between species and communication.
  • The term has evolved over centuries, often reflecting how humans interpret animal sounds.

The word 'barking' has its origin in the Old English word 'brecan' which meant 'to bark'. Dogs have been barking for centuries as a way to communicate and express various emotions. The sound of barking can vary depending on the breed and size of the dog. It is a natural behavior for dogs and is often used as a form of alerting or warning.

See also: bark, barker, embark.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,735, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.