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Howler - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A howler is a loud, prolonged cry or sound, often made by animals like monkeys. It can also refer to a glaring mistake or embarrassing error in speech or writing.

howler

/ˈhaʊlɚ/ /ˈhaʊlə/

Definition:

A loud, foolish mistake or a type of monkey known for its loud howling calls.

Synonyms:

blunder, gaffe, mistake, error

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

success, accuracy

Common Collocations:

make a howler, commit a howler, howler monkey

Derivatives:

howling, howled

Usage Tips:

Use "howler" for glaring mistakes or the monkey; context clarifies meaning.

Common Phrases:

drop a howler, howler of a mistake, howler monkey's call

Etymology:

Derived from "howl," imitating the sound of the monkey or an outcry over an error.

Examples:

  • 1. The comedian's joke was a real howler and made everyone laugh.
  • 2. She realized her email contained a howler after hitting send.
  • 3. The jungle echoed with the cries of the howler monkeys at dawn.
  • 4. His spelling mistake in the report was such a howler that it went viral.

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