Howler Meaning in English
word
Definition
A 'howler' is a big, obvious mistake, especially one that is funny or embarrassing. It can also refer to a loud howling animal, like the howler monkey.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, slightly old-fashioned for errors; common in British English. Not used for small mistakes—it's for mistakes that are obvious, foolish, or amusing. As an animal, 'howler' usually refers to the howler monkey.
Example Sentences
He made a howler in the test by writing the wrong name.
basic
The goalkeeper's howler cost the team the match.
basic
Careful when editing—one little howler can change the meaning of the whole page!
natural
A howler monkey can be heard from miles away.
basic
That typo was a real howler—everyone laughed when they saw it.
natural
We could hear the howlers calling from deep in the jungle all night long.
natural