yelp

Puppy's pained sound

A yelp is a short, sharp cry of pain, alarm, or excitement—the kind a dog makes when startled or hurt: The puppy let out a yelp when I stepped on its tail.

People yelp too, usually involuntarily: She yelped in surprise.

The verb and noun are interchangeable: you can give a yelp or simply yelp. (Capitalized Yelp is the business review platform.)

vocalization

bark

Sharp canine vocalization

  • yipShort, sharp bark
  • whineComplain in high pitch
  • howlProlonged mournful cry

squeal · cry · shriek · squeak · whimper · arf · yap · woof · squawk · screech

pain

wince

Reflexive recoil from distress

  • flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
  • gaspSudden sharp breath
  • groanLow vocal expression of distress

moan · ouch · recoil · startle · hurt · sting · shock · jolt · pinch · stub

animal

dog

Domesticated barking mammal

coyote · fox · wolf · hyena · seal · chihuahua · terrier · hound · mutt · pet

Categories
Opposites
volume/intensity

yelpwhisper

Speech without full voice

murmur · mutter · hush · mumble · silence

sound quality/character

yelppurr

Feline contentment sound

howl · growl · rumble · drone · coo

Family

yelping, yelped, yelps, yelper, yelpers

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G