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

My Method Actor scatters luminous beads of sound design into a writhing body of hooks and vocal lines—sometimes murmured, others chanted, all interspersed with that trademark Yanya flourish that sounds like a sigh rising to a yelp. —Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 13 Sep. 2024

As their feet trot toward the center of the room, Mr. Laverty lets out a yelp of joy, for what is work without play? —Sarah Matusek, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 July 2024

Verb

Be Ready for Bulls That Come in Quietly Every gobbler that a turkey hunter yelps to doesn’t come on the run, double-gobbling. —Chad Schearer, Outdoor Life, 18 Sep. 2024

Watch videos of live hens yelping and do your best to mimic their sound and cadence. —Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 1 May 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"