noun
cowl
kowl
noun
1
A hood, especially the large loose hood of a monk's robe.
"The monk pulled his cowl over his head against the cold."
2
A protective covering over part of a vehicle or engine.
"Mechanics removed the cowl to access the engine."
3
A chimney cap or hood-shaped fitting designed to improve draft and stop backflow.
"A metal cowl on the chimney kept rain from getting in."
How to Use Cowl
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hood-like covering, whether on a monk's robe, a car engine, or a chimney.
Common pairings
monk's cowl
engine cowl
chimney cowl
Word Forms
more cowl comparative, cowled past tense, cowls plural, cowls plural, cowls plural, cowls singular, most cowl superlative
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The monk pulled his _____ over his head against the cold.
Etymology
From Old English cugele, from Latin cucullus meaning "hood." Related to "cagoule."