scream Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun sharp piercing cry
    screaming; screech; screeching; shriek; shrieking.
    • her screaming attracted the neighbors
  2. noun a high-pitched noise resembling a human cry
    shriek; screech; screeching; screaming; shrieking.
    • he ducked at the screechings of shells
    • he heard the scream of the brakes
  3. noun a joke that seems extremely funny
    sidesplitter; riot; wow; howler; belly laugh; thigh-slapper.
  4. verb utter a sudden loud cry
    cry; hollo; squall; shout; call; holler; yell; shout out.
    • she cried with pain when the doctor inserted the needle
    • I yelled to her from the window but she couldn't hear me
  5. verb utter or declare in a very loud voice
    yell.
    • You don't have to yell--I can hear you just fine
  6. verb make a loud, piercing sound
    • Fighter planes are screaming through the skies

WordNet

Scream intransitive verb
Etymology
Icel. skræma to scare, terrify; akin to Sw. skräma, Dan. skræmme. Cf. Screech.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Screamed ; present participle & verbal noun Screaming
Definitions
  1. To cry out with a shrill voice; to utter a sudden, sharp outcry, or shrill, loud cry, as in fright or extreme pain; to shriek; to screech.
    I heard the owl scream and the crickets cry. Shak.
    And scream thyself as none e'er screamed before. Pope.
Scream noun
Definitions
  1. A sharp, shrill cry, uttered suddenly, as in terror or in pain; a shriek; a screech. "Screams of horror." Pope.

Webster 1913