yelp

1 of 2

noun

ˈyelp How to pronounce yelp (audio)
Synonyms of yelpnext
: a sharp shrill bark or cry (as of a dog or turkey)
also : squeal

yelp

2 of 2

verb

yelped; yelping; yelps

intransitive verb

: to utter a sharp quick shrill cry
dogs yelp

transitive verb

: to utter with a yelp

Synonyms of yelp

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Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of yelp in a Sentence

Verb The dog yelped in pain. yelped with surprise when everything fell off the closet shelf and onto his head
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.
Noun
Some yelp in pain after stepping barefoot on a peanut or toy. — Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 The yelps and chatter of a nursery school recess clattered down from a small hill overlooking the scene. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
Kids pulled in on sleds by their parents are yelping in glee, slipping and sliding around jaws of ice. — Stephanie Pearson, Outside, 19 Feb. 2026 Hens make a combination of clucks and yelps when calling to a gobbler. — Bruce Brady, Outdoor Life, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for yelp

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English, to boast, cry out, from Old English gielpan to boast, exult; akin to Old High German gelph outcry

First Known Use

Noun

1501, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1553, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of yelp was in 1501

Phrases Containing yelp

Rhymes for yelp

See All Rhymes for yelp

Browse Nearby Words

yelm
yelp
yelper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

yelp

1 of 2 noun
ˈyelp How to pronounce yelp (audio)
: a sharp quick shrill bark or cry
the yelps of turkeys

yelp

2 of 2 verb
: to utter a yelp or a similar sound
he yelped in pain
heard the dog yelping again
yelper noun
Etymology

Noun

Middle English yelpen "to boast, cry out," from Old English gielpan "to boast, exult"

More from Merriam-Webster on yelp

Nglish: Translation of yelp for Spanish Speakers

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