squeal

1 of 2

verb

squealed; squealing; squeals

intransitive verb

1
: to make a shrill cry or noise
2
a
: to turn informer
squeal to the police

transitive verb

1
: to express with or as if with a squeal
2
: to cause to make a loud shrill noise
squealing the tires
squealer noun

squeal

2 of 2

noun

: a shrill sharp cry or noise

Examples of squeal in a Sentence

Verb The car squealed to a stop. He squealed the tires and drove off. She squealed to the teacher. “Let me go,” she squealed. Noun She heard the pig's squeals.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
Onlookers audibly gassed her up and squealed in excitement. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 22 Oct. 2024 Eying the squealing superfans, Segall remarked on Smith’s rapid ascension. Holden Seidlitz, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024
Noun
Domitian squeals at him, his voice cracking hilariously — Tenax sneaks up from behind and smothers the monarch. Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 18 July 2024 Each compartment is then sealed with the squeal of a drill. Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for squeal 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English squelen, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1747, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of squeal was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near squeal

Cite this Entry

“Squeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squeal. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

squeal

1 of 2 verb
1
: to make a long shrill cry or noise
2
a
: inform sense 2
squealed to the teacher
3
: to utter with or as if with a squeal
squealer noun

squeal

2 of 2 noun
: a long shrill cry or noise

More from Merriam-Webster on squeal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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