Growl

Growl is a term used to describe a low, rumbling vocalization emitted by many animals as a warning or expression of aggression. The sound originates in the throat and chest and can vary in pitch and duration. In everyday language, growling can also describe similar vocalizations in humans when anger or discomfort is expressed. The verb form to growl describes the act of producing such a sound.

In animals, growling serves as a threat signal and is often part of a broader display that may include snarling, bared teeth, or stiff body posture. Among domestic dogs, growls can indicate fear, possessiveness, or pain and may precede escalation if the warning is ignored. Interpreting growls requires attention to context and accompanying body language, as misreading the signal can increase the risk of conflict or injury.

Gastric growl, medically known as borborygmus, is the rumbling sound produced by gas and liquid moving through the stomach and intestines during peristaltic activity. It commonly occurs when the stomach is empty but can also accompany digestion after meals. The sound is generally normal in healthy individuals, though persistent abdominal noise with pain or other symptoms may warrant medical evaluation.

Growl is also the name of a cross-platform notification framework for macOS and Windows. It allows applications to send user alerts to a central notification system, enabling customizable banners and sounds independent of the native OS notification manager. Once popular in the 2000s, Growl’s prominence declined as built-in notification centers became standard in modern operating systems.