First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1prowl
verb \ˈprau̇(-ə)l\
of an animal : to move quietly through an area while hunting
: to move through a place or area especially while searching for something often in a quiet or secret way
Full Definition of PROWL
intransitive verb
: to move about or wander stealthily in or as if in search of prey
transitive verb
: to roam over in a predatory manner
— prowl·er \ˈprau̇-lər\ noun
See prowl defined for English-language learners
See prowl defined for kids
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Origin of PROWL
Middle English prollen
2prowl
noun
: an act of moving through a place while searching for something : an act of prowling
Full Definition of PROWL
: an act or instance of prowling
— on the prowl
: in the act of prowling; also : in search of something <his fourth wife had just left him, and he was on the prowl again — Mary McCarthy>
See prowl defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PROWL
1803
PROWL Defined for Kids
prowl
verb \ˈprau̇l\
prowledprowl·ing
Definition of PROWL for Kids
: to move about quietly and secretly in hunting or searching <Phoebe prowled through the house, examining the walls and carpet … — Sharon Creech, Walk Two Moons>
— prowl·er noun
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