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Definition of bawl

bawl

/bɔːl/
bawl
Plural:bawls
•
Past Simple:bawled
•
Past Participle:bawled
•
Present Participle:bawling
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bawl Lexical Profile

bawl Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To weep or cry noisily and unrestrainedly.

Example

"The toddler began to bawl as soon as his ice cream cone fell onto the pavement."

2

To shout or call out loudly and forcefully.

Example

"The sergeant continued to bawl orders across the noisy parade ground."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A loud, unrestrained cry, shout, or wail.

Example

"The sudden bawl of a calf echoed across the quiet pasture."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for bawl

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse "bawl" (to cry or shout loudly) with its homophone "ball" (a spherical object or a formal dance), especially in the common expression "bawl one's eyes out."

• Rhymes for bawl

• Nearby Words

bauble
bawdiness
bawdy
bawl
bawler
bay
bayberry

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in Middle English in the 15th century, probably borrowed from Old Norse "baula" (to low like a cow) or Medieval Latin "baulare" (to bark like a dog), both of imitative origin.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bawl. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bawl
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