Howling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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howling
[ˈhaʊlɪŋ ]
Definitions
at night
Howling refers to the long, loud, mournful sound that animals such as wolves or dogs make. It is often associated with the night and can be a way of communication or expressing emotions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| howling |
Often used to describe the loud, prolonged sound made by wolves or wind. Can also describe very loud human cries, typically from pain or laughter.
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| wailing |
Describes a long, high-pitched cry, usually from pain, grief, or sorrow. It can refer to sounds made by humans or the noise of strong wind or sirens.
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| baying |
Refers specifically to the loud cries of certain animals, like dogs or hounds, often when they are hunting or tracking prey.
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| yowling |
Generally used for loud, mournful, or complaining cries, especially from cats. Can also be used to describe similar human sounds, though less common.
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Examples of usage
- The wolves were howling in the distance.
- The dog started howling when it sensed danger.
- The eerie howling echoed through the forest at night.
wind
Howling can also refer to the sound of the wind blowing loudly and fiercely, often creating a haunting or eerie atmosphere. It can be a natural phenomenon during storms or in desolate places.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| howling |
Used to describe a loud, mournful sound, often associated with animals like wolves or a strong wind. It evokes a sense of loneliness or sorrow.
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| whistling |
Describes a high-pitched sound made by blowing air through a small opening or coming from the wind. It can evoke a sense of calm or eeriness.
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| whirling |
Refers to a rapid rotating or spinning motion, often associated with wind or mechanical parts. It implies a sense of quick movement or confusion.
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| roaring |
Describes a loud, continuous sound, often associated with large animals like lions, the sound of water, or engines. It can indicate power or intensity.
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Examples of usage
- The howling wind rattled the windows of the old house.
- The howling of the wind outside made it difficult to sleep.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Animal Behavior
- Many canids, like wolves and domestic dogs, howl to communicate with their pack over long distances.
- Howling can serve different purposes, such as alerting others of danger or signaling loneliness.
- Certain breeds, like the Alaskan Malamute, are more prone to howling, showcasing personality differences among dogs.
Pop Culture
- In movies, howling is often associated with werewolves or supernatural themes, adding dramatic tension.
- Songs and stories often romanticize howling at the moon, connecting it to mystery and the wild.
- The classic 'Howling' film series from the 1980s popularized this sound within the horror genre.
Psychology
- Howling can be linked to expressions of emotions such as loneliness, excitement, or even distress in animals.
- Studies suggest that howling may strengthen social bonds within wolf packs through shared vocalizations.
- For humans, listening to howling sounds can evoke a sense of connection to nature and the wild.
Music
- Howling sounds have been incorporated into various musical genres, often to evoke themes of wilderness or freedom.
- Artists like Bob Dylan have used the term in lyrics to symbolize longing and freedom, enhancing emotional resonance.
- A piece of classical music by composer Carl Orff incorporates howling as a form of expression in its composition, reflecting raw emotion.
Origin of 'howling'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'hulen', which means to 'cry out' or 'wail'.
- Its usage to describe wolf sounds dates back to the 14th century, showcasing deep roots in language.
- The term has evolved but maintains its connection to loud expressions of emotions.
The word 'howling' originated from the Old English word 'hulian', which meant to wail or lament. Over time, it evolved to describe the long, loud cries of animals or the sound of the wind. The use of 'howling' to depict eerie or mournful sounds has been prevalent in literature and folklore, adding to its mystical and atmospheric connotations.