gowl: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low / Archaic / DialectalDialectal, Colloquial, Archaic, or Humorous
Quick answer
What does “gowl” mean?
To howl or cry loudly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To howl or cry loudly; to bawl, especially of a child.
In some dialects, it can mean to roar or make a loud, harsh, discordant noise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is primarily found in British Isles dialects (especially Northern England, Scotland, Ireland). It is virtually unknown in general American English.
Connotations
In its dialectal use, it is a neutral descriptive term for loud crying. Outside those regions, it might be perceived as quaint, humorous, or simply unintelligible.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary written or spoken English outside specific dialect contexts or deliberate archaism.
Grammar
How to Use “gowl” in a Sentence
Subject + gowl (intransitive)Subject + gowl + Prepositional Phrase (e.g., with pain)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gowl” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The wean wouldnae stop gowling for its mum.
- He gowled like a wounded beast when he stubbed his toe.
American English
- (Not standard; potential archaic/humorous use) The baby gowled so loud it woke the neighbors.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard)
American English
- (Not used)
adjective
British English
- (Rare, as participle) The gowling infant kept the house awake.
- He had a right gowling voice.
American English
- (Not used)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical or linguistic studies of dialect.
Everyday
Only in specific regional dialects. Unlikely in general conversation.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gowl”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it is a standard synonym for 'cry'.
- Spelling it as 'growl'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered a dialectal or archaic word, not part of Standard English.
Only if you are writing dialogue for a character from a specific regional background (e.g., Northern England, Scotland) or aiming for an archaic tone. Otherwise, it will seem odd or incorrect.
It derives from Middle English 'goulen', related to Old Norse 'gaula' meaning to low or bellow.
Not commonly. The action is 'gowling'. One who gowls could humorously be called a 'gowler'.
To howl or cry loudly.
Gowl is usually dialectal, colloquial, archaic, or humorous in register.
Gowl: in British English it is pronounced /ɡaʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡaʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(Scottish/Northern) To gowl one's eyes out: to cry profusely.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an OWL that howls like a dog — a 'G'howling OWL = GOWL.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMAN DISTRESS IS ANIMAL VOCALIZATION (linking a child's cry to a wolf's howl).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'gowl' MOST likely to be encountered?