growl Definition
growl (gro̵ul)
intransitive verb
- to make a low, rumbling, menacing sound in the throat, as a dog does
- to complain in an angry or surly manner
- to rumble, as thunder, cannons, etc.
Etymology: ME groulen, to rumble, prob. of echoic orig.
transitive verb
to express by growling
noun
- the act or sound of growling
- ☆ Jazz a low, rough, husky, often muted sound produced on a trumpet, trombone, etc.
growl Related Forms
growl′·ingly adverb
growl Synonyms
growl
n.
growl Synonyms
growl
v.
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
- ‹ growing point
- ‹ growing pains
- ‹ growing
- ‹ grower
- ‹ grow
- ‹ groveling
- ‹ grovel
- ‹ grove
- ‹ grouty
- ‹ grout
- growler ›
- grown ›
- grown-up ›
- growth ›
- growth company ›
- growth factor ›
- growth hormone ›
- growth investing ›
- growth stock ›
- Grozny ›

