Growl/ɡraʊl/ Definition 1 of 6Pro Tip 1/2Animal Warning Animals growl to warn others or express discomfort. It's often a sign to back off. The bear growled when we got too close to her cubs. Pro Tip 2/2Expression of Anger Growling can indicate an animal is angry or ready to attack, not just annoyed. A low, menacing growl came from the dog as I stepped towards its food.