yowl
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /jaʊl/
KK: /jaʊl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To make a loud, mournful sound, often like a cry or wail, usually associated with pain or distress.
Example
The cat began to yowl when it got stuck in the tree.
Tense Forms
Past: yowled
Past Participle: yowled
Conversation
Did you hear that cat yowl last night?
Yeah, it sounded really sad and loud!
I wonder if it was hurt or just lonely.
Probably just lonely; they can be quite dramatic sometimes.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
wail
howl
keen
Antonyms
whisper
murmur
silence
noun
Definition
A loud and mournful cry, often made by an animal, especially a cat.
Example
The cat let out a yowl in the night, waking everyone in the house.
Conversation
Did you hear that strange yowl last night?
Yeah, it sounded like a cat in distress.
I was really worried something was wrong with it.
transitive verb
Definition
To make a loud, wailing cry, often associated with animals, especially cats or dogs.
Example
The cat began to yowl loudly when it saw the dog approaching.
Tense Forms
Past: yowled
Past Participle: yowled
Conversation
Did you hear that cat yowl last night?
Yeah, it was so loud!
I wonder what made it yowl like that.
Root Explanation
The word 'yowl' originates from Middle English 'yowlen', which is imitative of the sound made by a cat or dog. It describes the act of making a loud, wailing cry, particularly associated with animals.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cat making a loud, wailing sound — that's what 'yowl' means, and it comes from the sound itself.
Visually Confused Words
yow
owl