Baying
/ˈbeɪɪŋ/
verbB2present participle
Definition
Baying is the action of making a loud, long, and deep barking or howling sound. It is often used to describe dogs or wolves when they are chasing something or communicating loudly. The sound is usually strong and continuous, showing excitement, alert, or calling others.
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See It in Action
To make a loud, deep barking or howling sound, especially by dogs or wolves
- •The hunting dogs were baying loudly as they followed the scent.
- •Wolves bayed at the moon in the quiet forest.
- •The guard dogs began baying when they saw strangers near the gate.
(Figurative) To shout loudly or demand something strongly, often in a group
- •The crowd was baying for justice after the unfair decision.
- •Protesters were baying at the politicians to change the law.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'baying' like 'barking' (A1 word), but louder, deeper, and longer—more serious and strong
- ✓Picture a group of hunting dogs running in the forest, their loud voices echoing as they chase an animal
- ✓It's the feeling of urgency or excitement you hear when animals want to catch attention or express strong emotion
- ✓Sounds like 'BAY-ing' → imagine dogs shouting 'BAY! BAY!' loudly to call others or show they are on the hunt
- ✓In stories or movies, baying dogs often create a tense or wild atmosphere, like in a chase scene
- ✓NOT like 'whining' (soft, complaining), baying is loud and strong
- ✓NOT like 'howling' (long, melodic), baying mixes barking and howling with a rough, urgent tone
Try Other Words
- •Howling: long, loud, and mournful sound (Use when the sound is more musical and drawn out, like wolves howling at night)
- •Yelling: loud human shouting (Use when referring to people shouting loudly, not animals)
- •Shouting: loud voice to call or express (Use in general loud human voice, less urgent than yelling)
- •Calling: making a sound to get attention (Use when the sound is to attract or communicate, less loud than baying)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: 'bay' (root verb meaning to bark loudly) + '-ing' (present participle suffix showing ongoing action)
- •Etymology: From Old French 'baier,' meaning to bark or open the mouth wide; related to the sound dogs make
- •Historical development: Used since Middle Ages to describe hunting dogs' loud barking to chase or corner prey
- •Modern usage: Still used to describe dogs or wolves making loud, continuous barking/howling sounds, also used figuratively for loud shouting by groups
Reflect & Connect
•How do you think baying sounds affect the feeling of a story or movie scene involving wild animals?
•Can you think of situations where 'baying' might be used to describe people, not animals? How does that change the meaning?
Fill in the blanks
1.The hunting dogs were baying loudly because they ___ the animal nearby.
2.When wolves are baying at night, it usually means they are ___ to others or marking territory.
3.Unlike simple barking, baying is ___ and can be heard from far away.
4.The crowd was baying for change, showing their ___ and strong feelings.
5.Baying dogs often appear in stories to create a ___ or wild atmosphere.
6.People can be baying when they ___ loudly in groups, not just animals.
7.The guard dogs started baying ___ the moment they sensed danger.