cowl

1 of 2

noun

ˈkau̇(-ə)l 

1

a

: a hood or long hooded cloak especially of a monk

b

: a draped neckline on a woman's garment

2

a

: a chimney covering designed to improve the draft

b

: the top portion of the front part of an automobile body forward of the two front doors to which are attached the windshield and instrument board

c

: cowling

cowl

2 of 2

verb

cowled; cowling; cowls

transitive verb

: to cover with or as if with a cowl

Examples of cowl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Bessette-Kennedy is widely regarded as a pioneer of ’90s minimalism, and her silk crepe sheath with a cowl neckline upended the popularity of princessy, puff-sleeve brides, ushering in the craze for simplistic, slip-style wedding gowns. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 17 Dec. 2024

On the couple's left, one daughter sported a full black suit, while the other wore a dark silver, cowl neck dress. —Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024

Verb

All of a sudden there was a loud pop and a blaze of fire shot past my window as the cowling pulsed under pressure. —Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 2024

The cowling is the protective cover over the plane's engine. —Noah Osborne, NBC News, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English cowle, from Old English cugele, from Late Latin cuculla monk's hood, from Latin cucullus hood

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

1536, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cowl

• cowl-neck

Kids Definition

cowl

noun

ˈkau̇(ə)l

1

: a monk's hood or long hooded cloak

2

: the top part of an automobile body forward of the two front doors to which are attached the windshield and instrument panel

3

: cowling

cowled

ˈkau̇ld

adjective

Biographical Definition

Cowl

biographical name

ˈkau̇(-ə)l 

Jane 1883–1950 originally Grace Bailey American actress