howler

noun12

1. •
   That which howls, especially an animal such as a wolf or a howler monkey.
2. •
   (slang) A painfully obvious mistake.

   • Given what we know about cognitive psychology, utility maximization is a ludicrous concept; equilibrium pretty foolish outside of financial markets; perfect competition a howler for most industries. — 1993
3. •
   (historical) A person hired to howl in mourning at a funeral.
4. •
   (slang) A small child.

   • I wanted Leesa to pick up her children, not Child Protective Services. After thirty minutes, I had the two howlers fed and settled down for naps. — 2013
5. •
   (slang) A tremendous lie (especially an obvious one); a whopper.

   • Trump has been trying to sell the howler that India offered a zero tariffs deal, when Modi isn’t even willing to take Trump’s repeated calls. — 2025
6. •
   A 32-ounce ceramic, plastic, or stainless steel jug used to transport draft beer.
7. •
   (slang) A hilarious joke.
8. •
   (figurative) A heavy fall.
9. •
   (slang) A serious accident (especially to come a howler or go a howler; compare come a cropper).

   • Our hansom came a howler.
10. •
    A person who expresses aggression openly in the form of threats.

    • Although their behavior does not have the same impact as hunters, howlers nevertheless distract the public figure and compel security and law enforcement […] — 2008
11. •
    (slang) A bitterly cold day.
12. •
    (slang, old-fashioned) A fashionably but extravagantly overdressed man, a "howling swell".