Scowl
/skaʊl/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make a frowning facial expression, often showing anger or disapproval.
/skaʊl/
To express displeasure or disapproval by wrinkling the brow and contracting the mouth.
The teacher scowled at the noisy students.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see someone do something you don't like, and your face makes a grumpy expression – that's scowling! Like when you see someone cut in line, and you give them the side-eye.
👶 For kids: When you make a grumpy face because you're mad or sad.
More Examples
She scowled when she read the bad news.
He scowled as he walked away from the argument.
How It's Used
"He scowled at the loud music."
"The villain scowled, plotting his next evil deed."
A facial expression showing disapproval, anger, or displeasure; a frown.
/skaʊl/
An expression of displeasure; a frown.
A dark scowl crossed his face.
💡 Simply: It's the grumpy face you make when you're not happy. It’s like when your ice cream drops on the floor—you'd probably have a scowl.
👶 For kids: A grumpy face.
More Examples
She wore a permanent scowl.
The sudden scowl on his face warned me that something was wrong.
How It's Used
"His scowl made the children afraid."
"Her face bore a deep scowl of disapproval."
Idioms & expressions
to scowl at someone
To direct a frown or angry look towards someone.
"The coach scowled at the player who missed the goal."
From Middle English *scowlen*, perhaps from Old Norse *skūla* ('to look threateningly').
The word 'scowl' has been used for centuries to describe facial expressions indicating displeasure or disapproval. Its presence can be traced in various literary works throughout history.
Memory tip
Think of a 'cow' frowning – a scowl!