Howl: meaning, definitions and examples

Howl is often used to describe the sound that wolves or dogs make, especially in the night. It can also describe a loud, prolonged cry of pain, distress, or laughter.

• The dog began to howl at the moon
• She let out a howl of laughter when she heard the joke

Wail is used to describe a long, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or misery. It often conveys a sense of deep sorrow or distress.

• The child began to wail after falling down
• There was a wail of despair from the grieving family

Cry is a versatile term used to indicate shedding tears in response to an emotional state or to make a loud call. It can be used in various emotional contexts, from sadness to joy.

• She started to cry when she heard the sad news
• The baby’s cry woke everyone up in the middle of the night

Bellow refers to a loud, deep, and powerful shout, often used when someone is angry or shouting to be heard over a great distance.

• He had to bellow over the noise for everyone to hear him
• The angry boss bellowed at his employees

Yowl typically describes a loud, wailing cry, especially used to talk about animals like cats. It can also describe a cry of distress or pain in humans, but this usage is less common.

• The cat let out a loud yowl when its tail got stepped on
• He yowled in pain when he stubbed his toe

Used to describe the long, loud sound made by wolves, dogs, or sometimes humans when they are in pain or very sad.

• The wolves began to howl at the full moon.
• She couldn't stop the howl that escaped her lips when she heard the bad news.

The act of shedding tears, often accompanied by sobbing, due to emotion like sadness, pain, or joy.

• The baby began to cry when she fell down.
• She couldn't help but cry tears of joy at the good news.

Refers to a prolonged, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or despair. Often has a more intense emotional quality compared to 'cry'.

• She started to wail when she heard about the tragic accident.
• The sound of the infant's wail filled the room.

Describes a loud, mournful cry, often used to describe the sounds made by cats or other animals, but can also refer to humans in extreme distress.

• The cat began to yowl after being left outside all night.
• He let out a yowl of pain when he stubbed his toe.

Typically refers to a deep, loud roar, usually emitted by a large animal like a bull, or metaphorically by a human trying to communicate anger or frustration loudly.

• The bull bellowed loudly in the field.
• He started to bellow in anger when he saw the mess in the kitchen.