growl

growl · noun, verb

imported

Definitions

noun, verb

  1. 1.

    (noun) A low, guttural sound of hostility made by an animal, especially a dog.

  2. 2.

    (noun) A low, angry sound made by a person.

  3. 3.

    (verb) To make a low, guttural sound of hostility or anger.

  4. 4.

    (verb) To rumble, as the stomach does when hungry.

Forms

plural: growls

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    growl at — To speak angrily or threateningly to someone
  • •
    growl out — To say something in a deep, angry voice

Related words

Antonyms: purr, whimper
See also: bark, grumble, rumble, snarl
Synonyms: grumble, rumble, snarl

Etymology

From Middle English groulen, of imitative origin. Related to Dutch grollen ("to grumble") and German grollen ("to rumble, be angry").