English vocabulary · B2
Scowl
/skaʊl/ · v., n.
Scowl means to pull your eyebrows down and make an angry face. Your face shows that you are upset or do not like something.
Continue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- The teacher scowled at the class.
- He scowled at the high bill.
Word origin and roots
probably from Scandinavian
- skoulen — frown (probably from Scandinavian)
Synonyms and nuances
- FROWN — show worry or dislike (Brows Turn Down)
- GLARE — look at someone with anger (Angry Hard Look)
- GRIMACE — show pain or dislike (Face Twists)
Similar words
- frown
- glare
- grimace
Lesson notes
Scowl means to pull your eyebrows down and make an angry face. Your face shows that you are upset or do not like something.
Related: frown, glare, grimace. Use scowl when an angry face shows strong dislike.
The teacher scowled at the class. He scowled at the high bill.
Probably from Scandinavian. Middle English skoulen means frown. Skoulen became scowl. The old word kept its dark look.