Growl
/ɡraʊl/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo utter a low, guttural sound, typically in a threatening or angry way.
/ɡraʊl/
To make a low, guttural sound, often expressing anger or warning.
The hungry lion growled menacingly.
💡 Simply: Imagine a dog that's really annoyed. When it makes a low, angry noise, that's a growl! Humans sometimes growl too, like when they're really, really mad.
👶 For kids: When a dog or a person makes a low, angry sound, like 'grrr,' that's a growl!
More Examples
He growled a response of dissatisfaction.
The engine growled loudly as the car started.
How It's Used
"The dog growled at the stranger."
"He growled in frustration at the slow traffic."
A low, guttural sound of anger or warning.
/ɡraʊl/
A low, guttural sound.
The sudden growl of the dog made her jump.
💡 Simply: A growl is the 'grrr' sound that a dog (or even a person) makes when they're angry or warning someone to stay away.
👶 For kids: A 'growl' is the scary 'grrr' sound that some animals make when they're mad or want to scare you.
More Examples
A low growl echoed from the other side of the fence.
She heard a growl from the jungle.
How It's Used
"The growl of the wolf warned the pack of danger."
"A growl escaped his lips in anger."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
growl at someone
To speak in a threatening or angry way to someone.
"The boss growled at the employee for being late."
From Middle English *grulen*, from Old English *grūlian* (to snarl, growl). Cognate with Dutch *grommen*, German *grummeln*.
The word 'growl' has been used since Old English times to describe guttural sounds associated with animals and, later, human expressions of anger or frustration.
Memory tip
Think of a grumpy dog: they *growl* when they're unhappy!
Word Origin
"to snarl, to grumble"