Yowl: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe a loud, prolonged, and often mournful cry, often associated with animals, especially cats. It conveys a sense of distress or pain.

• The cat yowled loudly after getting its tail caught in the door.
• In the middle of the night, the alley was filled with the yowls of stray cats.

Often used to describe a long, loud, and mournful sound, frequently associated with wolves or dogs. It can also describe a similar sound made by humans in anguish or laughter.

• The wolves howled at the moon all night.
• He began to howl in pain when he stubbed his toe.

Describes a prolonged high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger. It is commonly used in the context of humans, especially in situations involving emotional distress.

• The mother wailed in sorrow at the loss of her child.
• She wailed in frustration when she realized her project had been deleted.

A general term for shedding tears and making sounds due to strong emotions such as sadness, pain, or joy. It can be used for both humans and animals.

• She couldn't help but cry when she heard the sad news.
• The baby started to cry when he was hungry.

Repeated entry. Refer to the first definition for its description and examples.

• The cat yowled in pain when it got its tail stuck in the door.
• At night, stray cats yowled, making it hard to sleep.

Refers to a long, loud, mournful sound, often associated with wolves or dogs. Can also describe a loud human outcry.

• The wolves began to howl at the full moon.
• He howled in grief when he heard the bad news.

Describes a prolonged, high-pitched cry or sound of pain, grief, or despair. Can be used for both humans and animals.

• The child wailed uncontrollably after falling down.
• A siren wailed in the distance, signaling an emergency.

A general term for shedding tears or making sounds of distress or sorrow. Can be used for both humans and animals.

• The baby started to cry when it was hungry.
• She could hear the cry of a distant bird in the forest.