yell

1 of 2

verb

ˈyel 

yelled; yelling; yells

intransitive verb

1

: to utter a loud cry, scream, or shout

2

: to give a cheer usually in unison

transitive verb

: to utter or declare with or as if with a yell : shout

yeller noun

yell

2 of 2

noun

1

: scream, shout

2

: a usually rhythmic cheer used especially in schools or colleges to encourage athletic teams

Synonyms

Verb

• howl
• scream
• screech
• shriek
• shrill
• squall
• squeal
• yelp

Noun

• cry
• holler
• hoot
• howl
• shout
• whoop
• yowl

Examples of yell in a Sentence

Verb

We saw people yelling for help.

I heard someone yelling my name.

The crowd was yelling wildly.

Noun

the crowd gave a yell of approval

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Josh diplomatically cheers for both sides, and Michele yells at him for supporting someone who is working against her. —Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024

Boundaries may include topics of conversation that are not to be discussed — like someone’s political views or parenting choices — or behavioral expectations, like asking a family member not to drink or yell in your presence. —Fortesa Latifi, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024

Noun

Millie’s famous yell was eventually heard in schoolyards across the country. —Brendan Le, People.com, 28 Oct. 2024

While Park spoke with co-hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos about growing up and going to college in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Tuesday, Sept. 17, Gad was shown sneaking up behind her — and letting out a yell that caused the actress to jump out of her seat and scream. —Jen Juneau, Peoplemag, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English yellen, going back to Old English giellan, gyllan, going back to Germanic *gellan- (whence also Old High German kellen, gellen "to make a shrill sound," Old Norse gjalla "to scream"), perhaps a back-formation from *gullōn-, iterative derivative of *galan- "to sing, cry" — more at nightingale

Noun

Middle English yel, yelle, derivative of yellen "to yell entry 1"

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing yell

• give (someone) a yell
• rebel yell
• yell your head off

Kids Definition

yell

1 of 2 verb

ˈyel 

1

: to utter a loud cry, scream, or shout

2

: to give a cheer usually as part of a crowd

yeller noun

yell

2 of 2 noun

1

: scream entry 2 sense 1, shout

2

: a cheer used especially in schools or colleges to encourage athletic teams