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Howler Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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howler

[หˆhaสŠlษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

animal sound

A howler is a type of monkey known for its loud vocalizations. These monkeys are primarily found in Central and South America. Howlers are social animals, often seen in groups, and their howls can be heard over great distances. They have a distinctive throat structure that allows them to produce these resonant sounds, which serve various purposes such as signaling to other howlers and marking territory.

Synonyms

scream, shout, yell.

Examples of usage

  • The howler monkeys are making a lot of noise in the forest.
  • We heard a howler during our hike in the jungle.
  • Howlers can be recognized by their loud howls.
  • A group of howler monkeys entertained us with their calls.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Howler monkeys are known as the loudest land mammals, with their calls carrying up to three miles through dense forests.
  • These monkeys use their vocalizations to communicate with each other and claim territory, making their howls essential for social structure.
  • Their loud calls help them find each other in their natural habitat, especially since they often live in large groups.

Cultural References

  • The term 'howler' in journalism often refers to a mistake or blunder that is egregiously obvious but overlooked, much like a loud error.
  • In American slang, a 'howler' can also describe a joke or story that is extremely funny, evoking loud laughter.
  • Howler images also appear in folklore and popular culture, often symbolizing the wild or supernatural, linking back to their loud cries.

Literature

  • In literature, howling often symbolizes sorrow or loss, seen in works where characters express grief through their howls.
  • The 'howler' motif has been used in poetry to evoke loneliness or the call of nature, creating vivid imagery for readers.
  • Famous stories often portray wolves and other howling creatures as guardians or omens, showing how their sounds resonate in narrative.

Music

  • The 'howling' effect is often replicated in music to create an eerie, atmospheric sound, especially in horror films.
  • Bands and musicians have referenced howling in their lyrics or album titles to convey a sense of wildness or freedom.
  • Certain instruments, like the didgeridoo, can produce howling sounds, incorporating this natural phenomenon into cultural music.

Psychology

  • Sounds, including howls, can evoke strong emotional responses, connected to our primal instincts for alertness or danger.
  • Study of animal sounds like howls can enhance our understanding of communication, both human and non-human, revealing social dynamics.
  • Howling can also symbolize the expression of intense feelings, such as loneliness or excitement, illustrated in therapeutic contexts.

Origin of 'howler'

The term 'howler' originates from the early 19th century, derived from the verb 'to howl', which means to emit a loud, mournful cry or wail. The word is believed to have roots in Germanic languages, specifically the Old English 'hลซlan', which means to howl or cry out. Howler monkeys specifically were named for their distinctive vocalizations, which are among the loudest of any terrestrial animal. These vocalizations serve vital social functions within their groups, acting as a means of communication and territory marking. Over time, 'howler' has also been adopted more broadly in English to describe anyone or anything that makes a loud, raucous noise.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,737 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.