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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
But there instead was wee Elizabeth, squalling in her arms. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025 Not because that is anybody’s intention but because our little, squalling selves are born to messy people. The New Yorker, New Yorker, 9 July 2025
Noun
While flying over southeast Ohio, the Shenandoah encountered a powerful squall line that tore the airship apart. Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Still, the richest, most enduring pleasures here are formal ones, beginning with the exacting still-life compositions and oily, vehement primary hues of Jenkins’ 16mm lensing, which can make a painterly subject of a maritime squall or a mustard-yellow wading boot. Guy Lodge, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for squall

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squall. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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