howl
UK[haʊl]US[haʊl]
v
to make a long, loud, sad sound, especially like a dog or wolf
v
(of the wind) to make a long, loud, sad sound
n
a long, loud, sad sound made by a dog, wolf, or similar animal, or by the wind
Etymology
the word 'howl' is a classic example of onomatopoeia, a word formed by imitation of the sound it describes. it originates from middle english houlen, which is likely of imitative origin, echoing the long, wailing cry of a canine or the wind. related words in other germanic languages, such as middle dutch huelen, show a similar phonetic pattern, suggesting a shared, sound-based root. over time, its use expanded from describing animal cries to also encompass similar mournful or violent sounds produced by inanimate forces like wind or sirens, while retaining its core association with a prolonged, loud vocalization.
Analysis
this is a simplex word of imitative origin. it is not productively formed from smaller morphemes within modern english.
Examples
the wolves began to howl at the full moon.
the wind howled through the cracks in the old cabin walls.
the child let out a howl of pain when he fell off his bike.