growl

1 of 2

verb

ˈgrau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce growl (audio)
growled; growling; growls
Synonyms of growlnext

intransitive verb

1
a
: rumble
His stomach growled.
b
: to utter a growl
The dog growled at the stranger.
2
: to complain angrily

transitive verb

: to utter with a growl : utter angrily

growl

2 of 2

noun

: a deep guttural inarticulate sound

Synonyms of growl

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Verb

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Examples of growl in a Sentence

Verb I could hear a dog growling behind me. My stomach's been growling all morning. “What do you want?” he growled. He's always growling about the government. Noun The dog gave a menacing growl. He answered my question with a growl. We could hear a growl of thunder in the distance.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
At the other end of our road, the cranes of the docks loomed — great Stothert and Pitt machines that growled overhead like something out of Star Wars, guarding the scale and mystery of the River Thames. — Lee Clayton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 For Yard Act, who growled onto the world stage with a crunchy aggressive post-punk sound, slowing down (as much as workaholic rockstars can) brought them to a lighter sound. — E.r. Pulgar, SPIN, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
The promo events are small-theater gatherings; the theme is the growl of a guitar. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 24 July 2026 Dodd recites it from memory in Wolverine’s voice with a growl. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for growl

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English groulen, grollen

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

1715, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of growl was in the 14th century

Rhymes for growl

See All Rhymes for growl

Browse Nearby Words

grow into
growl
growler
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Growl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/growl. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

growl

verb
ˈgrau̇(ə)l
1
a
: rumble entry 1
b
: to utter a deep threatening sound
the dog growled
2
: complain sense 1
growl noun
growler
ˈgrau̇-lər
noun

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