Definition

1. Noun:

   • A short, sharp, high-pitched cry or bark, typically made by a dog or other animal in response to pain, surprise, or excitement.

2. Verb:

   • To utter a short, sharp, high-pitched cry or bark, often involuntarily.

Usage

• As a Noun: Used to describe the sound itself.
• As a Verb: Used to describe the action of making this sound. It is an intransitive verb (it does not take a direct object).

Examples

• Noun:

  • The dog let out a sharp yelp when its tail was stepped on.
  • We heard a yelp of pain from the other room.

• Verb:

  • The puppy yelped when the door closed on its paw.
  • She yelped in surprise when she saw the spider.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: The verb can sometimes be applied humorously or figuratively to people to indicate a sudden, sharp cry of pain, surprise, or protest.
  • He yelped in protest when his boss gave him the extra work.

Variants and Related Words

• Yelping (noun/adj): The act or sound of yelping; making yelping sounds.
  • The constant yelping of the foxes kept us awake.
• Yelper (noun): One who or that which yelps (less common).

Synonyms

• Noun: cry, bark, squeal, yap, howl.
• Verb: cry out, bark, squeal, yap, howl.

Related Phrases

• To let out a yelp: To suddenly make a yelping sound.
  • He let out a yelp as the icy water touched his skin.

Noun

1. a sharp high-pitched cry (especially by a dog)

Verb

1. bark in a high-pitched tone
   • the puppies yelped