growl
B1Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To make a low, rumbling, and often threatening sound, typically from the throat, as done by an angry dog.
To speak in a deep, harsh, and angry manner; of machinery/engines: to make a deep, rumbling noise; of stomach: to rumble with hunger.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily associated with animals but easily extended metaphorically to humans and objects, conveying anger, threat, or low, rough noise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical connotations of threat, anger, or deep noise.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] growls.[Subject] growls at [object/person].[Subject] growls [utterance] (e.g., 'Get out').Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “growl like a bear”
- “growl stomach (my stomach is growling)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Metaphorical: 'The CEO growled his disapproval at the quarterly figures.' (rare)
Academic
Used in literary analysis or descriptions of animal behaviour.
Everyday
Very common for describing dogs, angry people, or hungry stomachs.
Technical
Used in zoology, automotive journalism (engine sounds).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The guard dog growled at the postman.
- His stomach began to growl during the lecture.
- 'Don't touch that,' he growled.
American English
- The dog growled at the intruder.
- My stomach's growling—I need lunch.
- The motor growled to life.
adverb
British English
- He spoke growlingly, which was quite intimidating.
American English
- He answered growlingly, clearly in a bad mood.
adjective
British English
- The actor used a growl tone for the villain.
American English
- He has a distinct growl voice.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The big dog can growl.
- My stomach is growling.
- The dog growled at the stranger to warn him.
- He growled a reply because he was very angry.
- The engine growled powerfully as the car accelerated.
- She growled her disapproval at the committee's decision.
- The director growled his notes at the actors, leaving them in no doubt about his dissatisfaction.
- A low growl of thunder echoed in the distance, promising a storm.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an angry dog with its lips curled, going 'GRRR-OWL'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER IS AN ANIMAL'S GROWL; LOW, UNPLEASANT SOUNDS ARE GROWLS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'gromykhat'' (to thunder).
- Can be confused with 'ворчать' (to grumble/mutter), but 'growl' is more bestial and physically deep.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'growl' for high-pitched sounds (incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'grawl'.
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'say' without the angry/low connotation.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be described with 'growl'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's common to say a person 'growls' when they speak in a deep, harsh, angry tone.
Yes, 'growl' is also a noun (e.g., 'He let out a low growl').
A growl is typically lower, rougher, and more sustained from the throat, suggesting a threat. A roar is louder, more open-mouthed, and fuller, suggesting full-force anger or sound.
Yes, engines, motors, or machinery are often described as growling when they produce a low, rumbling, powerful sound.