squirm

verb

ˈskwərm 

squirmed; squirming; squirms

intransitive verb

: to twist about like a worm : fidget

squirm noun

squirmy

ˈskwər-mē 

adjective

Synonyms

• fiddle
• fidget
• jerk
• jig
• jiggle
• squiggle
• thrash
• thresh
• toss
• twist
• twitch
• wiggle
• wriggle
• writhe

Examples of squirm in a Sentence

The baby squirmed a lot when I tried to hold him.

She squirmed under her father's angry stare.

The children squirmed with delight.

He tried to hold onto her but she squirmed free.

The frog squirmed out of his hands.

The gory details of the story had me squirming in my seat.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bacteria and other small creatures squirming inside bodies often have to propel themselves through thick, viscous environments. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2024

Best Phil sight gag: squirming at the touch of cold passion paint. —Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 29 Sep. 2024

Other images showed Frankel, who wore a red beanie, kissing their newborn daughter as Sidibe rested her head on his shoulder, carrying their squirming baby boy. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 1 Oct. 2024

In here, children squirm over parents’ laps as old men sip strong tea to punctuate intense exchanges. —Kurt Johnson, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1691, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

squirm

verb

ˈskwərm 

1

: to twist about like an eel or a worm

squirmed in their seats

2

: to feel very embarrassed

undeserved praise made us squirm

squirmy

ˈskwər-mē 

adjective