Definition

1. Verb:

   • To make a low, deep, and often threatening sound, typically in the throat. This sound is most commonly associated with animals, especially dogs, as a warning or sign of aggression.
   • To speak or utter something in a deep, harsh, and angry manner.

2. Noun:

   • The low, guttural, rumbling sound produced when an animal or person growls.

Examples

• Verb:

  • The dog began to growl when the stranger approached the gate.
  • "Don't touch that," he growled at the child.
  • The engine growled to life.

• Noun:

  • We heard a deep growl coming from the bushes.
  • His answer was a low growl of disapproval.

Advanced Usage

• "to growl out": To say something with a growling tone.

  • He growled out a warning before the fight started.

• Figurative Use: Used to describe a deep, rumbling sound made by inanimate objects.

  • The thunder growled ominously in the distance.
  • The old truck's engine growled and sputtered.

Variants and Related Words

• Growler (noun):

  • A person or animal that growls.
  • (Historical) A small iceberg.
  • A container for carrying beer.

• Growling (adjective/noun): Describing or related to the act or sound of a growl.

  • The growing noise was unsettling.

Synonyms

• Verb: Snarl, grumble, rumble, roar (context-dependent), gnarl.
• Noun: Snarl, grumble, rumble, roar (context-dependent).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Growl at: To direct a growl towards someone or something.
  • The guard dog growled at the intruder.

Related Idioms

• Like a bear with a sore head: (Informal) To be very bad-tempered and likely to growl or snap at people. While not containing "growl," it describes a similar irritable state.
  • He's been like a bear with a sore head all morning.

Noun

1. the sound of growling (as made by animals)

Verb

1. to utter or emit low dull rumbling sounds
   • he grumbled a rude response
   • Stones grumbled down the cliff