'howl' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'hūlian', where 'hūl-' meant 'to make a loud noise'.

'hūlian' transformed into the Middle English word 'howlen', and eventually became the modern English word 'howl'.

Initially, it meant 'to make a loud noise', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to emit a long, loud, doleful cry'.