scowl

1 of 2

verb

ˈskau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce scowl (audio)
scowled; scowling; scowls
Synonyms of scowl

intransitive verb

1
: to contract the brow in an expression of displeasure
2
: to exhibit a threatening aspect

transitive verb

: to express with a scowl
scowler noun
scowlingly
ˈskau̇-liŋ-lē How to pronounce scowl (audio)
adverb

scowl

2 of 2

noun

: a facial expression of displeasure : frown

Synonyms of scowl

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Verb

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of scowl in a Sentence

Verb scowled down at the misbehaving child Noun The teacher gave me a scowl when I walked in late. She responded to his question with a scowl.
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.
Verb
Those that attended mostly sat and scowled. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 Feb. 2026 My sister was scowling and pacing the path outside my mother’s flat. — Douglas Stuart, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
So just sit and smile, a departure from a career built on scowl. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026 Leaving home without a hat, scarf, gloves, umbrella, and/or scowl. — Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scowl

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English skoulen, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Danish skule to scowl

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1513, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scowl was in the 14th century

Rhymes for scowl

See All Rhymes for scowl

Browse Nearby Words

scowder
scowl
scowlingly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

scowl

1 of 2 verb
ˈskau̇(ə)l How to pronounce scowl (audio)
1
: to make a frowning expression of displeasure
2
: to exhibit or express with a scowl
scowler noun
scowlingly
ˈskau̇-liŋ-lē How to pronounce scowl (audio)
adverb

scowl

2 of 2 noun
: an expression of displeasure on the face : frown

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Nglish: Translation of scowl for Spanish Speakers

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