To scowl means to make an angry or disapproving facial expression, pulling your eyebrows down and together while frowning deeply. When someone scowls at you, their face shows clear displeasure or irritation. A teacher might scowl at students talking during a lesson. A parent might scowl when they see muddy footprints tracked across a clean floor.

A scowl is more intense than a simple frown. While a frown might show sadness or concern, a scowl carries a sharper edge of anger or stern disapproval. Picture a librarian scowling at kids being too noisy, or a coach scowling at a player who isn't paying attention during practice.

The word can also be a noun: you might say someone “wore a scowl” or “had a scowl on their face.” Some people scowl when they're concentrating hard, even if they're not actually angry. Others scowl so often it becomes their default expression, making them seem grumpy even when they're in a perfectly fine mood. A genuine scowl, though, leaves no doubt that someone is displeased.