Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun Expression of displeasure; angry or sullen aspect.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • verb Present participle of frown.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adjective showing displeasure or anger

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word frowning.

Examples

  • I can feel Darwin frowning over me like a thunderhead.

    A Mile Down the Road From Home 2006

  • I can feel Darwin frowning over me like a thunderhead.

    A Mile Down the Road From Home 2006

  • What do I do? she scoffed in French, frowning and rearing back her head at the idea.

    Day of Honey Annia Ciezadlo 2011

  • What do I do? she scoffed in French, frowning and rearing back her head at the idea.

    Day of Honey Annia Ciezadlo 2011

  • “Intended to be kept secret,” I say, rattling off the definition and frowning.

    HOUSE RULES JODI PICOULT 2010

  • For instance, M. Moreau, in speaking of the act of frowning, that is, of the contraction of the muscle called by French writers the soucilier (corrigator supercilii), remarks with truth: -- "Cette action des sourciliers est un des symptômes tômes les plus tranchés de l'expression des affections pénibles ou concentrées."

    The expression of the emotions in man and animals 1898

  • Presently the west wind begins to blow with greater strength, and they note the mass of clouds, gray and frowning, that is banked against the sky.

    Starlight Ranch and Other Stories of Army Life on the Frontier Charles King 1888

  • If you see a person who has spent much of the last 30 years frowning, that is reflected in their face.

    News from www.pantagraph.com 2009

  • Working with UEA colleagues, he recorded video of volunteers performing 30 different facial expressions such as frowning, smiling and looking surprised.

    Software That Instantly Alters A Person’s Sex Or Race | Impact Lab 2009

  • You might program it to have a distinct state called "sadness," where it would display symptoms such as frowning, downcast eyes, and broken concentration.

    From amoebas to elephants Kylopod 2007

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.