ENGLISH
REFERENCE

yell

n. countable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈjɛɫ// UK //jˈɛl// yell Informal

n. a loud, sharp cry or shout, often made because you are angry, excited, or in pain.

n. a loud, sharp utterance or vocalisation, typically expressing strong emotion or intended to attract attention.


SIMPLE

He gave a loud yell when his team scored a goal.

CONTEXTUAL

The sudden yell from the back of the crowd caused everyone to turn around in surprise.

COMPLEX

A sharp yell echoed through the narrow canyon, though it was impossible to tell if the sound originated from a hiker in distress or a distant bird of prey.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English ȝellen, yellen, from Old English ġiellan, from Proto-Germanic *gellaną. Cognate with Saterland Frisian gälje (“to yell”), Dutch gillen (“to yell”), German Low German gellen (“to yell”), German gellen (“to yell”).

Etymology 2

Borrowed from Scots yeld (“ceasing to give milk”).

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference