glout: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / ArchaicLiterary, Archaic, Regional
Quick answer
What does “glout” mean?
To look sullen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To look sullen; to frown, scowl; to pout.
To look displeased or sulky, typically with a downward expression of the mouth and brow. It can describe a petulant, moody, or brooding look, often associated with stubborn refusal to speak or engage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No modern regional difference in usage, as the word is archaic. Historically, it might have appeared slightly more in British literary texts (e.g., Spenser, Milton) but is equally obsolete in both varieties.
Connotations
Archaic, literary, possibly poetic.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in contemporary usage in both regions. It survives only in historical or dialectal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “glout” in a Sentence
Subject + glout + (at/on Object)Subject + glout + Object (e.g., displeasure)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glout” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The child would glout in the corner whenever he was denied a sweet.
- He glouted at the rain-soaked picnic from the window.
American English
- She glouted her disappointment for the rest of the evening.
- Instead of arguing, he just glouted silently.
adverb
British English
- (Not attested in standard use.)
American English
- (Not attested in standard use.)
adjective
British English
- (Rare/obsolete: 'glouting') The knight had a glouting visage under his helmet.
American English
- (Rare/obsolete: 'glouting') He wore a glouting expression throughout the meeting.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistic or literary analysis of older texts.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glout”
- Using it in modern contexts; misspelling as 'glowt' or 'glote'; using it as a noun (it is primarily a verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic or obsolete. You will encounter it only in older literature or discussions of historical vocabulary.
'Glower' implies a fierce, angry stare. 'Glout' (archaic) suggests a sulky, petulant, or brooding frown, often with a sense of silent resentment.
Not in standard usage. Its primary historical use is as a verb. The related form 'glouting' can function as an adjective.
For active use, no—it will sound odd and archaic. It is useful only for passive recognition when reading historical texts or poetry.
To look sullen.
Glout is usually literary, archaic, regional in register.
Glout: in British English it is pronounced /ɡlaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡlaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'glout' as it is obsolete.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'glout' rhyming with 'pout' – both involve pulling the face down in displeasure. A 'glowering pout' = GLOUT.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISCONTENT IS A DOWNWARD FACIAL EXPRESSION; SULKING IS CLOUDY WEATHER (e.g., a glouting countenance).
Practice
Quiz
The verb 'glout' is best described as: