howling

UK: ˈhaʊlɪŋ | US: ˈhaʊlɪŋ

Definition

  1. adj. producing a prolonged, mournful cry (like a wolf or dog)

  2. n. the act or sound of howling

  3. adj. (informal) extremely great or intense (e.g., "howling success")

Structure
howl <to utter a prolonged cry>ing <present participle/gerund suffix>
Etymology

The word "howling" derives from the Old English hūlian, meaning "to howl or cry loudly," likely imitative of the sound itself (onomatopoeic). The suffix -ing transforms the verb into a noun or adjective, indicating the action or its characteristic. Over time, "howling" expanded metaphorically to describe anything intensely loud or extreme.

Examples

  1. The howling wind kept us awake all night.

  2. Wolves began howling at the full moon.

  3. Her performance was a howling triumph.

  4. We heard the howling of a stray dog in the distance.

  5. The comedian had the audience in howling laughter.