# woof

/ˈwuf/ (US) · /wˈuːf/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/woof
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the short, loud sound a dog makes. You use this word to describe the noise of a bark.

For teachers: the characteristic short, explosive cry of a dog. Often used as an onomatopoeic representation of a bark.

## Examples

- The dog gave a loud woof when the mailman arrived.
- Every time someone walks past the garden gate, the golden retriever lets out a friendly woof.
- The silence of the rural night was suddenly broken by a deep, resonant woof from the farm's guard dog, signaling an intruder near the barn.

## Usage notes

- Often used as an interjection or a countable noun to describe the sound itself.

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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.