# snarl

/ˈsnɑɹɫ/ (US) · /snˈɑːl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

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

## Definition

an angry growl that shows the teeth, like a dog makes when it feels threatened. It can also mean a messy tangle, like cars stuck in traffic.

For teachers: an aggressive growl accompanied by bared teeth, signalling hostility or warning. Extended to any tangled or congested mass, such as knotted thread or blocked traffic.

## Examples

- The dog gives a low snarl at strangers.
- When I step near the fence, the neighbour's dog lifts its lip in a snarl and I step back.
- The traffic snarl after the bridge closure stretched for miles, turning a short commute into a slow study in brake lights and frayed patience.

---

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.