scowl

1 of 2

verb

ˈskau̇(-ə)l 

scowled; scowling; scowls

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 

adverb

scowl

2 of 2

noun

: a facial expression of displeasure : frown

Synonyms

Verb

• frown
• glare
• gloom
• glower
• lower
• lour

Noun

• face
• frown
• grimace
• lower
• lour
• moue
• mouth
• mow
• mug
• pout
• snoot

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

Verb

In walks Plaza and Shannon, scowling at random members of the Salty Club — who return the favor with an eye roll. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025

But Herb just scowled and finally threw the galley down on his desk. —Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2025

Noun

Serve up in a stemmed glass, and garnish with a scowl, or perhaps a war story. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Feb. 2025

With a scowl on his face, a beer in one hand, a cigarette in the other, Ferrell's unexpected appearance had fans equal parts amused and confused. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025

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 1520, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

scowl

1 of 2 verb

ˈskau̇(ə)l 

1

: to make a frowning expression of displeasure

2

: to exhibit or express with a scowl

scowler noun

scowlingly

ˈskau̇-liŋ-lē 

adverb

scowl

2 of 2 noun

: an expression of displeasure on the face : frown