Definition

A loud, wailing sound, often made by cats or other animals, that expresses distress or a call for attention.

Example

The cat was yowling outside my window all night long.

Conversation

Did you hear that strange yowling outside last night?

Yeah, it was really loud and creepy!

I wonder what kind of animal was making that yowling sound.

Maybe it was just a cat, but it definitely sounded unusual.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make a loud, wailing sound, often like a cat's cry, usually expressing pain or distress.

Example

The cat was yowling outside all night, keeping everyone awake.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear that cat yowling outside last night?

Yeah, it was so loud! I couldn't sleep at all.

I thought it was being chased or something.

Root Explanation

Yowling originates from the Middle English 'yowlen', which is derived from the Old English 'geolwian', meaning to howl or cry out. The word describes the act of making a loud, mournful sound, typically associated with cats.

Memory Tip

Imagine a cat making a loud, mournful sound — that's what yowling means, coming from the Old English word for howling.

Visually Confused Words