yell

1 of 2

verb

yelled; yelling; yells

intransitive verb

1
: to utter a loud cry, scream, or shout
2
: to give a cheer usually in unison

transitive verb

: to utter or declare with or as if with a yell : shout
yeller noun

yell

2 of 2

noun

1
2
: a usually rhythmic cheer used especially in schools or colleges to encourage athletic teams

Examples of yell in a Sentence

Verb We saw people yelling for help. I heard someone yelling my name. The crowd was yelling wildly. Noun the crowd gave a yell of approval
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Europe has long been working against any Darwinist instincts, spending the past several years trying to wedge its head inside the mouth of the lion while their own people yell at them to stop. Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 19 Jan. 2025 Though there was no damage to either car, a crowd of at least 10 Turks soon gathered, yelling at Hiba. Alia Malek, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
It’s generally accepted that a loud yell while, or even before a player is hitting a ball is a disruption. Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 30 July 2024 Sharp helped Perry get elected to the coveted post of yell leader, and Perry managed Sharp's campaign for student president. John C. Moritz, Austin American-Statesman, 1 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for yell 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English yellen, going back to Old English giellan, gyllan, going back to Germanic *gellan- (whence also Old High German kellen, gellen "to make a shrill sound," Old Norse gjalla "to scream"), perhaps a back-formation from *gullōn-, iterative derivative of *galan- "to sing, cry" — more at nightingale

Noun

Middle English yel, yelle, derivative of yellen "to yell entry 1"

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of yell was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near yell

Cite this Entry

“Yell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yell. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

yell

1 of 2 verb
1
: to utter a loud cry, scream, or shout
2
: to give a cheer usually as part of a crowd
yeller noun

yell

2 of 2 noun
1
2
: a cheer used especially in schools or colleges to encourage athletic teams

More from Merriam-Webster on yell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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