squall

1 of 4

verb (1)

squalled; squalling; squalls

intransitive verb

: to cry out raucously : scream

transitive verb

: to utter in a strident voice
squaller noun

squall

2 of 4

noun (1)

: a raucous cry

squall

3 of 4

noun (2)

1
: a sudden violent wind often with rain or snow
2
: a short-lived commotion

squall

4 of 4

verb (2)

squalled; squalling; squalls

intransitive verb

: to blow a squall

Examples of squall in a Sentence

Verb (1) the baby squalled in pain Noun (2) a snow squall is expected tonight the annual squall created when the store holds its biggest sale of the year
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The subgenre originated in the late ’80s as bands such as My Bloody Valentine blanketed concert venues in slow-churning guitar squall while staring down at their effects pedals. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2024 To help combat the concurrent squall of lies, FEMA has spent precious resources to combat the untruths by beefing up the Rumor Response page on its website. Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2024 National Hurricane Center/NOAA Gusty squalls will sweep across Florida through Wednesday and Thursday, potentially bringing with them heavy rain, strong winds and a brief tornado, according to CBS Miami. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 24 Sep. 2024 Risks vary from vessel to vessel; the captain of an enormous container ship doesn’t have to worry about a squall in the same way the captain of a small sailboat would because their ship is far less likely to capsize. Raja Patel, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for squall 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'squall.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skval useless chatter

Noun (2)

probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish skval rushing water

First Known Use

Verb (1)

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun (1)

1709, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1699, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of squall was circa 1631

Dictionary Entries Near squall

Cite this Entry

“Squall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squall. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

squall

1 of 4 verb
: to cry out with a harsh sound : scream
squaller noun

squall

2 of 4 noun
: a harsh cry or scream

squall

3 of 4 noun
1
: a sudden violent wind often with rain or snow
2
: a short-lived commotion

squall

4 of 4 verb
: to blow as a squall

More from Merriam-Webster on squall

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