growl Hear it!

growl Definition

growl (gro̵ul)

intransitive verb

  1. to make a low, rumbling, menacing sound in the throat, as a dog does
  2. to complain in an angry or surly manner
  3. to rumble, as thunder, cannons, etc.

Etymology: ME groulen, to rumble, prob. of echoic orig.

transitive verb

to express by growling

noun

  1. the act or sound of growling
  2. Jazz a low, rough, husky, often muted sound produced on a trumpet, trombone, etc.

growl Related Forms

growl·ingly adverb

growl Synonyms

growl

n.

  1. A low, beastlike sound

    snarl, gnarl, gnar*, moan*, bark*, bellow*, rumble*, roar*, howl*, grumble*, grunt. *

  2. Speech resembling a growl, sense 1

    grumble, rumble, mumble; see noise 1.

growl Synonyms

growl

v.

  1. To make a low, deep sound

    snarl, gnarl, gnar*; see grumble 2.

  2. To speak as if growling

    snarl, grumble, upbraid; see complain 1, scold.

growl Usage Examples

Object

  • vocal: Strong growling vocals lead the way with catchy horn parts blasting out all over the place.
  • bass: From the opening notes of Howe's acoustic guitar and Squire's growling bass, this is Yes back in top form.
  • noise: At the same moment, more growling noises came from inside the tower.
  • voice: His lips twisted; and the growling voice of the Lord rattled in his throat.
  • dog: The most you're going to accomplish by being aggressive toward a growling dog is to teach him not to warn before a bite.
  • sound: Contempt Breeds Contamination - A fairly heavy song with a very angry sounding Matt on the chorus almost growling sound on some parts.

Converse of object

  • hear: Then she heard a long low growl that shook the floor beneath her.
  • give: Jumbo, lying very low behind a bank of earth for safety, gave another low growl.
  • have: And I have a very loud growl What am I?

Adjective modifier

  • throaty: The throaty growl is the same and so hearing it will be a nostalgic sound for many people, " added Mr Brown.
  • deep: With a deep growl, I unfolded my massive, hairy body from the suddenly too-small bathroom.
  • low: They were a blurred backdrop to the rhythmic slapping of the water, the low growl of the pebbles.

Modifying Another Word

  • softly: To Jolen secretly: Kiania growls softly Jolen tells you: Come back, Kiania.
  • loudly: Tom on the radio microphone or Lorne growling loudly over the top of him.
  • even: Most puppies bite and chew their owners, and even growl, especially when they are playing.
  • just: The dog loves to get close but he cat just growls, spits and heads for the high ground.
  • n't: Three good meals a day and a nice warm bed to lie on so I ca n't growl.
  • quietly: To Sier secretly: Kiania growls quietly at you Secretly, Sier raises his eyebrow.

Followed by an intransitive particle

out: He growls out his displeasure, - ' tis a shame!

Used with why or when

when: And then it's just as sensible to stand over the corpse growling when anyone else approaches.

Browse dictionary entries near growl

  1. growing point
  2. growing pains
  3. growing
  4. grower
  5. grow
  6. groveling
  7. grovel
  8. grove
  9. grouty
  10. grout
  1. growler
  2. grown
  3. grown-up
  4. growth
  5. growth company
  6. growth factor
  7. growth hormone
  8. growth investing
  9. growth stock
  10. Grozny