prowl
C1Primarily informal/literary; can be used formally in specific contexts (e.g., security, zoology).
Definition
Meaning
To move about quietly and secretly, especially in search of prey or with predatory intent.
To move restlessly or purposefully around a place, especially out of curiosity or to find opportunity; to patrol in a stealthy or roaming manner.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies stealth, a lurking threat, or a restless, searching movement. The subject is often an animal, a suspicious person, or a metaphorical force. It can carry neutral, negative, or even playful connotations depending on context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical; both varieties strongly associate it with animalistic or predatory behaviour.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] prowls[Subject] prowls [Location][Subject] is on the prowl[Subject] prowls for [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the prowl (actively looking for something, especially prey or a romantic/sexual partner)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'Competitors are prowling for any sign of weakness in our market share.'
Academic
Used in zoology/ecology texts: 'The data shows lions predominantly prowl during the cooler hours.'
Everyday
Common for describing suspicious people or pets: 'I saw a man prowling around the car park last night.' / 'My cat spends the evening prowling the garden.'
Technical
Used in security/military contexts: 'The autonomous drone will prowl the designated grid all night.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Police reported a figure was seen prowling the estate after midnight.
- I could hear a fox prowling in the bins.
American English
- Security guards prowl the mall after closing.
- Cougars are known to prowl this canyon.
adverb
British English
- He walked prowlingly along the fence line, eyes darting.
American English
- The tiger moved prowlingly through the tall grass.
adjective
British English
- The prowling tomcat is responsible for the missing birds.
- We felt a sense of prowling menace in the empty town.
American English
- She had a prowling, restless energy about her.
- The prowling police car made the teenagers scatter.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat likes to prowl in the garden.
- He is on the prowl for a new game to play.
- I saw someone prowling around outside our house yesterday.
- Lions prowl the savannah at dusk, looking for food.
- Journalists were on the prowl for any scandal related to the minister.
- A sense of unease prowled the corridors of the old hospital.
- Hackers constantly prowl the internet for vulnerable systems.
- The spectral figure was said to prowl the battlements of the ruined castle.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GROWLing animal on the PROWL. The 'owl' in prowl is quiet and hunts at night.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEARCHING IS HUNTING; DANGER IS A PREDATOR ('Fears prowled at the edges of his mind').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'бродить' (to wander aimlessly) or 'рыскать' (to scour, more frantic). 'Prowl' has a stronger element of stealth and intent. The noun 'prowl' as in 'on the prowl' is best translated as 'в поисках добычи' or 'на охоте'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for fast, open movement (e.g., 'He prowled into the room' - incorrect). Confusing it with 'growl' (the sound). Overusing it for simple walking.
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best illustrates the meaning of 'prowl'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its core imagery is animalistic, it is commonly used for people (often with negative connotations of suspicion or threat) and metaphorical forces (e.g., fear, doubt).
'Stalk' implies a more focused, purposeful, and direct pursuit of a specific target. 'Prowl' suggests a quieter, more general, and roaming search within an area.
Yes, especially in the idiom 'on the prowl' which can be used humorously (e.g., 'We're on the prowl for the best pizza in town.') or to describe someone looking for a romantic partner.
It is an older, somewhat dated term for a police patrol car, still understood but largely replaced by 'patrol car' or 'cruiser'.