howler

noun

howl·​er ˈhau̇-lər How to pronounce howler (audio)
Synonyms of howlernext
1
a
: howler monkey
b
: one that howls
2
: a humorous and ridiculous blunder

Examples of howler in a Sentence

The article was full of howlers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Expect to see monkeys (both howler and white-faced), koatis, and perhaps even a leopard. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 June 2026 Camera footage showed one occasion when an adult howler came and tried to retrieve a baby, and capuchins scared it off. — Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 19 May 2025 Including a couple of total howlers. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026 And even if credible veracity comes and goes, Lindsay-Abaire mines them for plenty of laughs, including a couple of total howlers. — Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for howler

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of howler was in 1800

Phrases Containing howler

Rhymes for howler

See All Rhymes for howler

Browse Nearby Words

howl
howler
howler monkey
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Howler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/howler. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

howler

noun
howl·​er ˈhau̇-lər How to pronounce howler (audio)
1
: one that howls
2
: a stupid and ridiculous blunder

More from Merriam-Webster on howler

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for howler

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about howler

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