# scream

/ˈskɹim/ (US) · /skɹˈiːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/scream
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to cry out loudly

verb · CEFR B1

to make a loud, high cry because you are hurt, scared, or excited.

For teachers: to utter a loud, sharp, piercing cry as an expression of strong emotion or physical pain.

- The children started to scream with delight when they saw the giant cake.
- Witnesses reported hearing a woman scream for help just moments before the emergency services arrived at the scene.

### 2. to be very obvious

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to show a quality so clearly that it is impossible to ignore.

For teachers: to be highly suggestive or indicative of a particular quality or style. Intransitive, often followed by 'of'.

- Everything about that expensive car screams 'wealth'.
- The minimalist decor and cold lighting scream corporate efficiency, leaving little room for personal expression in the workspace.

### 3. a loud cry

noun · CEFR B1

a loud, high sound made by a person or animal.

For teachers: a loud, piercing vocalisation, typically high in pitch.

- A sudden scream from the basement made everyone stop talking.
- The silence of the night was shattered by a piercing scream that echoed through the narrow alleyways.

### 4. someone or something very funny

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a person or situation that is extremely funny.

For teachers: a person, thing, or situation that is hilariously funny or entertaining.

- You should meet my cousin; she is an absolute scream at parties.
- The play was a total scream from start to finish, leaving the audience breathless with laughter.

### 5. harsh singing style

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a style of singing in rock or metal music that sounds rough and loud.

For teachers: a vocal technique common in heavy metal and related genres involving distorted, high-intensity vocalisation.

- The lead singer's powerful scream is the highlight of their new album.
- The transition from melodic verses to a guttural scream is a hallmark of the band's experimental sound.

## Examples

- A loud scream came from the dark room.
- The audience let out a collective scream of delight when the lead singer finally walked onto the stage.
- The silence of the night was shattered by a piercing scream that echoed through the valley, leaving the villagers in a state of sudden, breathless apprehension.

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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.