Prowling is spelled with the letters 'p-r-o-w-l-i-n-g'. In IPA phonetic transcription, this word is pronounced as /ˈpraʊ.lɪŋ/. The sound 'pr' is a blend of the consonant sounds 'p' and 'r'. The vowel sound 'ou' is pronounced as 'ow' like in 'cow'. The letter 'l' is pronounced as a consonant sound with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth. The final 'ing' is pronounced as 'ing', as in the word 'singing'. Prowling refers to moving around quietly and stealthily like a hunter searching for prey.
Prowling refers to the act of moving about stealthily or quietly, usually in search of prey, with the intention of hunting or stalking. It involves a cautious and deliberate approach, typically performed by animals such as predators or hunters in order to surprise their targets or to avoid detection. Prowling often implies a characteristic low-profile style of movement, where the individual advances slowly and silently, maintaining a watchful and alert state.
The term is commonly used in the context of animals, especially those in the wild, such as big cats like lions or tigers, who are known for prowling through their territory before launching an attack on potential prey. Prowling behavior can also be observed in nocturnal creatures like owls or foxes, as they navigate through their surroundings in search of food, taking advantage of the cover of darkness.
Metaphorically, "prowling" can also be used to describe a human behavior, typically associated with a sense of lurking or sneaking around with ulterior motives. This could refer to someone who silently moves through a space, attempting to remain unseen or unnoticed, often driven by curiosity, mischief, or malicious intent. For instance, a thief may be described as prowling the streets at night, scouting for potential targets.
Overall, prowling emphasizes the element of stealth, vigilance, and a sense of purposeful movement, depicting the behavior of both animals and humans in different situations.
Roving in a stealthy manner, as for prey.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "prowling" is derived from the Old French word "prole", which means "to roam or wander". It can be traced back to the Latin word "prodeambulare", where "pro-" means "forward" and "deambulare" means "to walk". Over time, "prole" evolved into "prowl" in Middle English, taking on the meaning of moving stealthily or moving about with the intention of hunting or seeking prey. From there, the word "prowling" emerged, serving as the present participle form of "prowl".