Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small iceberg or ice floe just large enough to be hazardous for shipping: A growler is a piece of ice that has broken off from a glacier or iceberg. It is relatively small and often mostly submerged, making it a dangerous obstacle for ships because it is difficult to see.
   • A speaker whose voice sounds like a growl: A growler is a person who speaks in a low, rough, angry, or threatening tone, resembling the sound made by an animal like a dog or bear.

Examples

• Noun (Iceberg):

  • The ship's captain carefully navigated through the fjord, watching for hidden growlers in the water.
  • A growler, though smaller than a massive iceberg, can still cause significant damage to a vessel's hull.

• Noun (Person):

  • The old sailor was known as a growler because of his deep, raspy voice.
  • Don't be such a growler; try to speak more kindly to the children.

Advanced Usage

• "To spot a growler": To identify a small, hazardous iceberg.

  • The lookout's primary job was to spot growlers before the ship got too close.

• "The growler in the corner": Referring to a person who is muttering or complaining in a low, gruff voice.

  • Pay no attention to the growler in the corner; he's always unhappy about something.

Variants and Related Words

• Growl (verb): To make a deep, harsh sound, like that of an angry dog.
  • The dog began to growl at the stranger.
• Growling (adjective/noun): Describing a sound or action that resembles a growl.
  • He answered with a growling tone.

Synonyms

• For the iceberg: Ice floe, bergy bit.
• For the person: Grumbler, grouch, curmudgeon (though these emphasize complaining more than voice quality).

Related Phrases

• "Like a growler": Used to describe something that is deceptively dangerous due to its size or a voice that is unusually rough.
  • That criticism came out like a growler—quiet but with a sharp edge.

Noun

1. a small iceberg or ice floe just large enough to be hazardous for shipping
2. a speaker whose voice sounds like a growl