First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1growl
verb \ˈgrau̇(-ə)l\
of an animal : to make a deep threatening sound
: to make a low sound like the sound of a growling animal
: to say (something) in an angry way
Full Definition of GROWL
intransitive verb
1
a : rumble <his stomach growled> b : to utter a growl <the dog growled at the stranger>
2
: to complain angrily
transitive verb
: to utter with a growl : utter angrily
See growl defined for English-language learners
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Origin of GROWL
Middle English groulen, grollen
Related to GROWL
- Synonyms
- beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, complain, grumble, grump, holler, inveigh, keen, kick, kvetch, maunder [chiefly British], moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge [British], yammer, yawp (or yaup), yowl
2growl
noun
: a deep sound made by an animal; also : a similar sound
Full Definition of GROWL
: a deep guttural inarticulate sound
See growl defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GROWL
1715
GROWL Defined for Kids
1growl
verb \ˈgrau̇l\
growledgrowl·ing
Definition of GROWL for Kids
1
: to make a deep threatening sound <The dog growled.>
2
: to make a low rumbling noise <My stomach is growling.>
3
: to complain or say in an angry way <“Only use them when we absolutely have to,” growled Azaz disgustedly. — Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth>
2growl
noun
Definition of GROWL for Kids
1
: a deep threatening sound (as of an animal)
2
: a grumbling or muttered complaint
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