white squall

noun

: a sudden gust of wind or furious blow that is reputed to come up without being marked in its approach otherwise than by whitecaps or white broken water on the surface of the sea compare black squall

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of white squall was circa 1771

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near white squall

Cite this Entry

“White squall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20squall. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!