A long, loud, doleful cry uttered by an animal such as a dog or wolf. The wolf's howl echoed through the forest, sending shivers down the spines of those who heard it.
A loud cry of pain, fear, anger, amusement, or derision. The comedian's joke was met with a howl of laughter from the audience.
A prolonged wailing noise, such as that made by the wind. The howl of the wind kept us awake all night as it battered against the windows.
Informal. A person or thing that causes great amusement; an uproariously funny event or experience. The banquet was a howl—everyone laughed the whole night.