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Yowl Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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yowl

[jaสŠl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

animal sound

To utter a long, mournful cry, as a cat in heat or a dog in pain.

Synonyms

cry, howl, wail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
yowl

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.
howl

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.
wail

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.
cry

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.

Examples of usage

  • The cat yowled loudly in the middle of the night.
  • The dog yowled in agony after being hit by a car.
Context #2 | Noun

animal sound

A loud, mournful cry uttered by an animal such as a cat or a dog.

Synonyms

cry, howl, wail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
yowl

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.
howl

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.
wail

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.
cry

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.

Examples of usage

  • The yowl of the cat echoed through the empty house.
  • He could hear the yowl of the dog in the distance.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Cats yowl as a form of communication, often to signal distress or to attract attention.
  • Yowling can be a mating call, particularly in female cats during breeding season.
  • It's not uncommon for cats to yowl when they are in pain or feeling threatened, showcasing their emotional state.

Literature

  • Yowling is often depicted in poetry and fiction to convey a sense of loneliness or sorrow.
  • Famous works sometimes use animal cries, including yowls, to symbolize turmoil or disturbance in the natural world.
  • In storytelling, a yowl can foreshadow events, as it creates an atmosphere of tension or fear.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, the yowl of a cat is linked with superstition, often thought to herald misfortune or bad luck.
  • Certain folklore suggests that a cat yowling at night might be warning of unseen spirits.
  • Catsโ€™ yowls have been featured in music and art, symbolizing mystery and the unseen.

Sound Communication

  • Yowling is part of a broader range of vocalizations animals use, each serving a specific purpose in their communication.
  • Different animal species have unique yowls; for instance, cats' yowls differ in frequency based on their mood and intent.
  • Studies show that yowls can vary widely even among individual cats, indicating personality traits and emotional states.

Origin of 'yowl'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'yowl' comes from Middle English, where it meant to cry out or howl.
  • It shares roots with the Old Norse word 'galla', which means to sing or cry out loudly.
  • The term has been used in literature since the 15th century to describe animal cries.

The word 'yowl' originated in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'gฤ“owl'. It has been used to describe the mournful cries of animals, particularly cats and dogs, for centuries. The sound of a yowl is often associated with pain, distress, or mating calls in the animal kingdom.

See also: yowling.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,564, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.