# prowling

/ˈpɹaʊɫɪŋ/ (US) · /pɹˈaʊlɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prowling
Updated: 2026-10-18

## Definition

to move around quietly and slowly, usually because you are hunting or looking for something to catch.

For teachers: to move stealthily through an area in search of prey or opportunity, often with quiet and watchful movement.

## Examples

- The cat is prowling around the garden at night.
- A fox is prowling near the farm, looking for a way into the chicken coop.
- A leopard is prowling through the tall grass, silent and patient as it closes the distance to the herd.

## Usage notes

- Often followed by 'around', 'about', or 'through'; takes a direct object when naming the area patrolled.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.