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Growl Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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growl

[ษกraสŠl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

animal behavior

To make a low guttural sound, often as a sign of hostility or anger.

Synonyms

grumble, snarl, snuffle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
growl

Growl refers to a deep, rumbling sound made by animals when they are angry or as a warning. It can also be used metaphorically for humans to indicate an angry or displeased remark.

  • The dog began to growl when the stranger approached
  • 'Stay away from me,' he growled under his breath
snarl

Snarl indicates a vicious or sharp sound made by an animal, especially a dog, showing its teeth. When used for humans, it describes speaking in a harsh, angry manner.

  • The dog snarled at anyone who came too close
  • 'Leave me alone!' he snarled
grumble

Grumble is used when someone expresses their dissatisfaction or complaints in a low voice, often continuing for some time. It implies a mild, ongoing discontent.

  • She continued to grumble about the weather
  • The workers grumbled about the long hours
snuffle

Snuffle refers to the sound a person or animal makes when inhaling or exhaling through a blocked nose, often implying a stuffy or allergic reaction.

  • The puppy snuffled around the room, searching for its toy
  • He snuffled as he tried to speak through his cold

Examples of usage

  • The dog began to growl at the stranger approaching the house.
  • The lion let out a menacing growl as it defended its territory.
Context #2 | Noun

sound

A low, guttural sound made by an animal, often as a sign of aggression.

Synonyms

grumble, roar, snarl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
growl

Emit a low, guttural sound usually from an animal, mainly a dog, often when angry or warning.

  • The dog began to growl when it sensed the stranger nearby
  • The bear growled loudly, warning us to stay away
snarl

Make an aggressive growl with bared teeth, usually from an animal or in a figurative sense, from a person showing rage.

  • The dog snarled at the intruder, showing its sharp teeth
  • She snarled at him when he interrupted her during the meeting, clearly annoyed
grumble

Complain or mutter in a low voice, usually expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance.

  • She started to grumble when she saw the long line at the store
  • He grumbled about having to work overtime again
roar

Emit a loud, deep sound, often from a large animal like a lion, or from a person or crowd showing great emotion.

  • The lion's roar could be heard throughout the jungle
  • The crowd roared with excitement after the winning goal

Examples of usage

  • The growl of the bear sent shivers down their spines.
  • The cat's growl warned the other animals to stay away.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Growling can serve as a warning signal among many carnivorous animals, indicating that they may attack if provoked.
  • Dogs growl to express discomfort, fear, or protectiveness over food, territory, or their owners.
  • Certain big cats, like lions and tigers, use growling as a way to communicate dominance within their pride.

Cultural Representations

  • In movies, growling is often used to depict danger or an impending threat, particularly in horror films.
  • The growl of a bear is a common sound in folklore and stories about wilderness survival, symbolizing the power of the wild.
  • Band names and songs often incorporate growling sounds or themes to evoke raw energy or aggression in rock and metal music.

Sound Mechanics

  • A growl typically involves low-frequency sounds, which can be difficult for humans to distinguish but are very effective in animal communication.
  • The ability to produce a growl often relies on the unique structure of an animal's vocal cords, allowing deeper, more resonant sounds.
  • Growling as a sound can evoke various emotional responses in humans, such as fear or awe, depending on the context.

Psychology

  • Hearing a growl can trigger a 'fight or flight' response in humans, activating instincts to perceive potential threats.
  • The growl of an animal is sometimes used in therapeutic settings to teach children about fear responses and managing anxiety with sound.
  • In studies, certain growls have been associated with specific emotional states in animals, showcasing their complexity in communication.

Origin of 'growl'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'growl' comes from the Middle English word 'growlen', which means to grumble.
  • It is possibly related to the Old Norse word 'grรบfa', meaning to growl or rumble.
  • Historically, growling has been noted as a vocalization in many animal species, emphasizing its importance in communication.

The word 'growl' originated from Middle English 'grawlen' which meant 'to rumble'. The use of 'growl' to describe the low, guttural sound made by animals dates back to the 15th century. It is often associated with warning or aggression in the animal kingdom.

See also: grow, grower, growing, growth, outgrowth, regrow.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,499, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.