howl

Everyday

1. Of a wolf or dog: to make a long, loud, sad cry. tree →
2. Of a person: to cry loudly in pain, anger or sadness. tree →
3. Of the wind: to blow hard with a loud, wailing sound. tree →
4. To laugh very loudly: «howl with laughter». tree →
5. (noun) A long, loud cry. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it creates a spooky or wild mood: wolves howling at the moon, the wind howling in a storm. It can also show strong laughter or crying. Phrases: howl at the moon, howl with laughter, howling wind, a howl of pain.

Examples

• The wolves howled at the full moon. tree →
• The wind howled around the house all night. tree →
• The baby howled when she dropped her ice cream. tree →
• We howled with laughter at the funny film. tree →
• There was a howl of pain when he stubbed his toe. tree →
• Our dog howls whenever the fire engine goes past. tree →

Note

Related: howler (an obvious, funny mistake, especially UK). Similar: wail, yowl, bay. «Howling» can also mean very great: «a howling success».

In Jewish tradition

"Howling wilderness" means an empty, wild desert where wind and wild animals cry out.

Interpretation. Tradition reads this as Israel's early care in the desert, where God protected them in a dangerous place.

Examples

• He found him in a desert land, and in the waste, a howling wilderness; He compassed him about, He cared for him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. (Torah DEU.32.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• Pass ye over to Tarshish; howl, ye inhabitants of the coast-land. (Prophets ISA.23.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• Howl, ye ships of Tarshish, for your stronghold is laid waste. (Prophets ISA.23.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• They return at evening, they howl like a dog, and go round about the city. (Writings PSA.59.7, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Related: howler (an obvious, funny mistake, especially UK). Similar: wail, yowl, bay. «Howling» can also mean very great: «a howling success».