baul: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Rare spelling variant)Informal
Quick answer
What does “baul” mean?
Alternative spelling of 'bawl', meaning to cry or shout loudly and unrestrainedly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Alternative spelling of 'bawl', meaning to cry or shout loudly and unrestrainedly.
Can also refer to making a loud, wailing noise; to weep or cry out loudly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
'Bawl' is the dominant standard spelling in both varieties. 'Baul' is an archaic/dialectal variant occasionally seen in historical texts or representing non-standard speech. No systematic modern BrE/AmE distinction for this variant.
Connotations
Using 'baul' may intentionally evoke a rustic, old-fashioned, or literary tone, or represent phonetic spelling of non-standard pronunciation.
Frequency
Extremely low in contemporary usage. The standard 'bawl' is itself a mid-to-low frequency word.
Grammar
How to Use “baul” in a Sentence
[Subject] bauls[Subject] bauls [Direct Object] (e.g., orders)[Subject] bauls at [Indirect Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “baul” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The toddler began to baul when his toy was taken.
- He would baul his commands across the drill square.
American English
- The kid started to baul after falling off his bike.
- The coach bauled at the referee from the sidelines.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form for 'baul')
American English
- (No standard adverbial form for 'baul')
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjectival form for 'baul')
American English
- (No standard adjectival form for 'baul')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. 'Protest vehemently' or 'shout' would be standard.
Academic
Only in historical linguistics or textual analysis of dialects/archaic forms.
Everyday
Rare. If used, it's in informal storytelling to depict someone crying or shouting loudly.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “baul”
- Spelling it 'baul' in formal writing instead of 'bawl'.
- Confusing it with 'ball'.
- Using it transitively incorrectly (e.g., 'He bauled me' is odd; 'He bauled at me' or 'He bauled orders at me' is better).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a recognised historical and dialectal variant of 'bawl', but it is not the standard modern spelling and is very rarely used.
Always use 'bawl' in contemporary, standard writing. Use 'baul' only for specific stylistic effect, such as in historical fiction or representing dialect.
No, the core meaning is identical: to cry or shout loudly. The difference is purely one of spelling and register.
It is pronounced identically to 'bawl': /bɔːl/.
Alternative spelling of 'bawl', meaning to cry or shout loudly and unrestrainedly.
Baul is usually informal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “baul one's eyes out”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A BALL (baul) of noise – someone crying or shouting makes a loud, round sound that fills the room.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOUD EMOTION IS A FORCE (He bauled the house down). EMOTIONAL RELEASE IS A LIQUID (She bauled her eyes out).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern status of the spelling 'baul'?