yowl
UK: jaʊl | US: jaʊl
n. a loud, wailing cry, especially of a cat or dog in distress
vi. to utter a loud, mournful cry or howl
yowl = yow<expressive sound> + l<reduplicative suffix>
- yow<expressive sound>: Imitative origin, mimicking the drawn-out, mournful sound of an animal's cry.
- l<reduplicative suffix>: Adds emphasis or prolongation to the sound, common in onomatopoeic words (e.g., "howl," "growl").
Etymology Origin:
"Yowl" is an onomatopoeic word, directly imitating the vocalization of animals like cats or dogs in pain or distress. Its structure (yow + l) follows a pattern seen in similar expressive verbs (e.g., "howl," "screech"), where a base sound is extended for auditory effect. The word emerged in Middle English (14th century) and retains its vivid, sound-based logic.
The cat let out a piercing yowl when its tail got stepped on.
Distant yowls from the alley kept the neighbors awake all night.
The dog began to yowl mournfully after its owner left.
A yowl of protest came from the kitten as it was picked up.
The forest echoed with the yowls of coyotes at dusk.