1 B2 informal
To shout words loudly and with intense emotion, such as pain or anger.
"He howled out a protest as the referee showed the red card."
separable
howl out
B2 informal separable transitive
To shout or cry out something loudly, passionately, or in pain.
In plain English
Shout or yell something very loudly, often with strong emotion.
What does "howl out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
For a crowd to collectively express loud displeasure or protest.
"The crowd howled out its anger at the announcement."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To howl something outward — to project it with the force of a howl.
Actually means
Shout or yell something very loudly, often with strong emotion.
Usage tip
Used when someone shouts words with great emotion — pain, anger, grief, or joy. Can also describe a crowd expressing collective protest through loud cries. Less common than 'cry out' or 'yell out'.
Words that pair with "howl out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
protest name order pain rage answer
How to conjugate "howl out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
howl out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
howls out
he/she/it
Past simple
howled out
yesterday
Past participle
howled out
have + pp
-ing form
howling out
continuous
Hear "howl out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "howl out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "howl out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.