# yelp

/ˈjɛɫp/ (US) · /jˈɛlp/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/yelp
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a short, sharp cry of pain or excitement. You often hear this sound from a dog when it is surprised or hurt.

For teachers: a brief, high-pitched cry or bark, typically expressing sudden pain, alarm, or excitement.

## Examples

- The puppy gave a little yelp when I stepped on its paw.
- A sudden yelp from the backyard alerted the owners that their dog had encountered a stray cat.
- The silence of the forest was punctured by the sharp yelp of a fox, a sound that echoed briefly before the stillness returned.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verbs 'give', 'let out', or 'emit'.

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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.