squeal

1 of 2

verb

ˈskwēl 

squealed; squealing; squeals

intransitive verb

1

: to make a shrill cry or noise

2

a

: to turn informer

squeal to the police

b

: complain, protest

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

Synonyms

Verb

• fink
• grass (on) [British slang]
• inform
• rat (on)
• sing
• snitch
• split (on) [British]
• squeak
• talk
• tell (on)

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

Verb

Powers' daughter Ruby ran into her arms, squealing with excitement. —Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 2 May 2024

Seyfried seemed super tickled and squealed at the reunion, which was caught on camera. —Lindsay Kimble, Peoplemag, 8 Jan. 2024

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

Phrases Containing squeal

• squeal on

Kids Definition

squeal

1 of 2 verb

ˈskwē(ə)l 

1

: to make a long shrill cry or noise

2

a

: inform sense 2

squealed to the teacher

b

: complain sense 1, protest

3

: to utter with or as if with a squeal

squealer noun

squeal

2 of 2 noun

: a long shrill cry or noise