howl: Meaning and Definition of

howl

Pronunciation: (houl), [key]
— v.i.
  1. to utter a loud, prolonged, mournful cry, as that of a dog or wolf.
  2. to utter a similar cry in distress, pain, rage, etc.; wail.
  3. to make a sound like an animal howling: The wind howls through the trees.
  4. to go on a spree; enjoy oneself without restraint.
—v.t.
  1. to utter with howls: to howl the bad news.
  2. to drive or force by howls (often fol. by down): to howl down the opposition.
—n.
  1. the cry of a dog, wolf, etc.
  2. a cry or wail, as of pain, rage, or protest.
  3. a sound like wailing: the howl of the wind.
  4. a loud, scornful laugh or yell.
  5. something that causes a laugh or a scornful yell, as a joke or funny or embarrassing situation.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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