Yelp
/jɛlp/noun
To make a short, sharp cry, typically in pain, alarm, or excitement.
Did you know?Unlike many English words, yelp has no securely identified ancient root; linguists generally classify it as an expressive or imitative formation shaped by words such as yell.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle English
English
yelpen
“To cry out sharply or make a shrill sound”
15th–16th Century
English
yelp
“A short, sharp cry, especially from a dog or person”
16th Century
English
yelp
“To utter a sharp cry, often in pain or fear”
Modern English
English
yelp
“To make or emit a brief, sharp cry”