Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
😮 An exclamation 📢 A sudden cry 😫 To cry out
to yow

to yow

9.9
To let out a loud cry because of pain, surprise, or alarm
  • verb
  • /jaʊ/
  • Informal
translation icon : gritar
  • The cat yowed loudly after being startled by the loud noise.

Examples

  • You walk in and yow!

    Blog text (22)

  • When he pricked his finger with a needle, he let out a loud yow of pain.

  • She accidentally stepped on a sharp rock and cried out, yow!

Synonyms

to scream
vsto yow
∞ 1.0

To make a loud high cry because of fear or pain

is similarly loud and sharp but often more sudden and brief
to cry out
vsto yow
108 1.8

Shout loudly to show a strong feeling, for example when surprised or hurt

is more like a sharp piercing cry rather than any loud sound
to shriek
vsto yow
72 2.9

To make a loud high sound often because of fear, pain or excitement

is equally sharp but can be less exclusively high in pitch
to howl
vsto yow
48 2.6

To give a long loud cry because of pain, grief, or anger

is a sharp often brief cry rather than a long drawn-out sound
to bellow
vsto yow
39 4.7

Shout loudly in a deep voice because you are angry or hurt

is loud but higher and sharper rather than deep and roaring
to bawl
vsto yow
39 5.9

Cry or shout loudly and without control

is loud too but is sharper and more like a sudden cry
to sob
vsto yow
15 1.0

To cry with short, noisy breaths

is a loud sharp cry from pain or surprise rather than repeated gasping
to yowl
vsto yow
2 6.3

To make a loud, long cry that sounds like it hurts

is a loud sharp cry that is shorter and more piercing
to let out a scream
vsto yow
1 2.1

To make a loud sudden cry because you are scared, hurt, or surprised

is the same sudden loud reaction but often more piercing
to yaup
vsto yow
  • Archaic
9.9

To make long, loud, harsh cries repeatedly

is a loud sharp cry that is more piercing than harsh
to yipe
vsto yow
  • Informal
9.5

To make a short sharp cry from surprise, fear, or excitement

is similar in sharpness but can be louder or more piercing
to wheep
vsto yow
9.9

To make a short high whistling sound like a small bird

is louder and more forceful, not just a small high sound
to wawl
vsto yow
9.9

To make a long, high, sad noise like crying

is a sharper cry with more piercing intensity than a whine
to waul
vsto yow
  • Archaic
9.9

To make a loud, high, sad sound like a cat's cry

is louder and sharper, not mainly plaintive or whining
to yawp
vsto yow
9.9

Make a loud, rough sound like a shout to show anger or complaint

is a loud sharp cry focused on pain or surprise rather than complaint
to baw
vsto yow
  • UK
9.9

To cry loudly because you feel upset or hurt

is a sharper sudden cry rather than prolonged weeping sounds

How Loud

to scream
∞ 1.0
to yow
  • Informal
9.9
to cry out
108 1.8
to call
∞ 1.0
to murmur
11 4.2

Surface Forms

yow infinitive
yowed past
yowed past participle
yowing present participle
yows third person singular

Etymology

Yow as a verb means to give that quick, loud cry, like saying ow while you yell or yowl; think of it as pushing a sharp 'y' into 'ow'. So, to yow is to cry out in 'pain', 'surprise', or 'distress'.