yelp

1 of 2

noun

ˈyelp 

: a sharp shrill bark or cry (as of a dog or turkey)

also : squeal

yelp

2 of 2

verb

yelped; yelping; yelps

intransitive verb

: to utter a sharp quick shrill cry

dogs yelp

transitive verb

: to utter with a yelp

Synonyms

Verb

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

Examples of yelp in a Sentence

Verb

The dog yelped in pain.

yelped with surprise when everything fell off the closet shelf and onto his head

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Briscoe Hay punctuates her sing-speak delivery with primal yelps, yips and yells atop Stanton’s bustling bass and NeSmith’s off-kilter but hooky surf guitar. —Steven Wine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2024

Their picturesque settler life needs a dog to be complete, and Old Yeller — so named for his distinctive yelp — proves himself by protecting sons Travis and Arliss from a rogue bear. —Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2024

Verb

Fans yelped each time Marchand popped up during the breaststroke leg, willing him to go faster and farther with each cheer. —Nicole Auerbach, The Athletic, 28 July 2024

Promptly, Danielle slams her drink against the side of Jen’s neck, at which everybody yelps and jumps in to stop things from getting worse. —Tom Smyth, Vulture, 24 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English, to boast, cry out, from Old English gielpan to boast, exult; akin to Old High German gelph outcry

First Known Use

Noun

1501, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1553, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing yelp

• give/make a yelp

Kids Definition

yelp

1 of 2 noun

ˈyelp 

: a sharp quick shrill bark or cry

the yelps of turkeys

yelp

2 of 2 verb

: to utter a yelp or a similar sound

he yelped in pain

heard the dog yelping again

yelper noun

Etymology

Noun

Middle English yelpen "to boast, cry out," from Old English gielpan "to boast, exult"