prowl

UK: /ˈpraʊl/ US: /praʊl/ ,(proul)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

prowl /praʊl/   v. 

1. to go about or move around in a quiet, sneaky way, as in search of something to steal or capture: [no object]
   The neighbor's cat prowls around the garbage cans all night.
   [~ + object]
   The gang was out prowling the streets.

Idioms

2. Idioms on the prowl, in the act of prowling;
   searching stealthily.

prowl•er, n. [countable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

prowl  (proul), v.i. 

1. to rove or go about stealthily, as in search of prey, something to steal, etc.

v.t. 

2. to rove over or through in search of what may be found:
   The cat prowled the alleys in search of food.

n. 

3. act of prowling.
4. Idioms on the prowl, in the act of prowling;
   searching stealthily:
   The cat is on the prowl for mice.

• ?
• Middle English prollen 1350–1400

prowl′ing•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. roam. See lurk. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

prowl / praʊl/ verb

1. when intr, often followed by around or about: to move stealthily around (a place) as if in search of prey or plunder

noun

1. the act of prowling
2. on the prowl ⇒ moving around stealthily
3. zealously pursuing potential sexual partners

Etymology: 14th Century prollen, of unknown origin

ˈprowler noun