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growl
[groul]
verb (used without object)
to utter a deep guttural sound of anger or hostility.
The dog growled at the mail carrier.
to murmur or complain angrily; grumble.
to rumble.
The thunder growled.
Jazz.to use flutter-tonguing in playing a wind instrument.
verb (used with object)
to express by growling.
noun
the act or sound of growling.
Jazz.the technique of flutter-tonguing.
growl
/ ɡʊ /
verb
(of animals, esp when hostile) to utter (sounds) in a low inarticulate manner
the dog growled at us
to utter (words) in a gruff or angry manner
he growled an apology
(intr) to make sounds suggestive of an animal growling
the thunder growled around the lake
noun
the act or sound of growling
jazz an effect resembling a growl, produced at the back of the throat when playing a wind instrument
Other 51Թ Forms
- growlingly adverb
- undergrowl noun
- ungrowling adjective
- ˈǷɱԲ adverb
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of growl1
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of growl1
Synonym Study
Example Sentences
“What can I do about my dreams?” it growls, an apt lyric for the singularly inventive and unmanageable fever of a movie that shares its name.
Joe’s inner voice begins to growl, “I have been delusional. Putting so much faith in love. In the universe. In her. F***ing Brontë.”
I got growled at once by a mountain lion but still couldn’t see it.
Trump only wishes he could wear the helmet and growl out “I AM the Law” with the fury of Stallone.
Her soprano voice shows such control and dynamic range as she transitions from soft, vulnerable moments to rebellious growls in anger against the Wizard.
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When To Use
To growl is to make a deep, rumbling grrrrr sound in the throat, like a guard dog does at an intruder. Growling is typically interpreted as an attempt to intimidate or show hostility.Growl can also be used as a noun to refer to such a sound, as in We heard a terrifying growl in the woods.Growling is most often associated with dogs, but other animals can growl or make sounds that can be considered growls, such as bears. People can growl in this way—a young child might growl when throwing a tantrum.In the context of people, though, the word is more commonly used in a figurative way meaning to say something in a low, gruff, angry tone, as in “Get out now!” he growled.Sometimes, it’s used in the context of a thing that’s making a deep rumbling sound, as in Listen to that engine growl! or The growl of the thunder was moving closer.Example: We’ve had the same mail carrier for years, but my dog still growls at her.
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