Definition of woof

Short definition: The word woof refers to the typical sound a dog makes, and it is often used playfully or descriptively to imitate barking, show excitement, or describe animal sounds in a simple and familiar way.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word woof? The word woof is strongly associated with dogs and the sounds they make. It is commonly used to describe a dog’s bark, but it can also appear in playful human speech, writing, and online expressions. Depending on context, it can function as a noun, a verb, or informal slang. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and easy to understand.

Forms: woof, woofs, woofed, woofing
Related: dog n., bark v., growl v.
Syllable: woof

1. (Noun) The short loud sound made by a dog as a form of barking.

   A woof is the characteristic barking sound produced by a dog, often used to signal alertness, excitement, warning, or a desire for attention, and it may sound sharp quick or forceful depending on the situation.

   A sudden woof from the backyard made everyone turn around to see what had caught the dog’s attention.
   The puppy let out a small woof whenever someone walked past the gate.
   Each woof echoed through the quiet street late at night.

   Synonyms: dog bark, canine sound, dog noise, animal bark, canine call, dog vocalization, pet sound, sharp bark, alert bark, animal cry, dog call, canine noise
   Antonyms: silence, quiet, no sound, stillness, hush, calm quiet, muteness, soundlessness, no noise, peaceful silence, quiet state, wordlessness

2. (Verb) To make a barking sound like a dog.

   To woof means to produce a barking sound, usually describing the action of a dog, but it can also be used informally to describe a person imitating a dog for humor or expression.

   The dog began to woof loudly when it heard footsteps near the front door.
   He jokingly woofed at his friend to imitate the dog in the video.
   The guard dog would woof whenever strangers came too close to the fence.

   Synonyms: bark, make a dog sound, vocalize, call out, growl lightly, emit a bark, animal call, canine vocalize, pet bark, produce noise, make sound, cry out
   Antonyms: stay silent, remain quiet, make no sound, hush, keep quiet, stop barking, silence oneself, be still, quiet down, say nothing, mute, remain calm

3. (Slang) Used playfully or humorously in speech or online messages to imitate a dog or add a funny tone.

   In informal or online use, woof is sometimes typed or spoken as a playful expression, often to joke, react humorously, or reference dog culture without meaning a real bark.

   He replied with woof after seeing a funny picture of a dog in the group chat.
   The caption simply said woof, matching the silly video perfectly.
   She added a playful woof to keep the conversation light and fun.

   Synonyms: playful sound, dog joke, humorous expression, meme sound, fun noise, silly reply, internet slang sound, playful reaction, casual joke, lighthearted expression, funny response, informal sound
   Antonyms: serious tone, formal expression, plain wording, professional language, neutral reply, serious response, direct speech, no humor, strict tone, formal reply, seriousness, straight talk