squirm

verb

ˈskwərm 

squirmed; squirming; squirms

intransitive verb

: to twist about like a worm : fidget

squirm noun

squirmy

ˈskwər-mē 

adjective

Synonyms of squirm

• fidget
• twitch
• toss
• jerk
• wiggle
• writhe
• tremble
• twist
• shiver

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

But the real pleasure is the 303 basslines that squirm in between the drums, coating the soundscapes of the tracks in grime and noxious soot. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026

With the contact patch sliding and squirming, the brakes had less to work with—and the car took just enough extra distance to end in an impact. — Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Melissa Albert, the popular young-adult author, flips over a speculative-fiction log to locate a squirming legacy of neglect. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026

Unless your companion could use a hand or is traveling with young kids (in the latter case, if this person also happens to be your spouse or partner, really not cool to leave them with the stroller, diaper bag, squirming kids). — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1691, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for squirm

• berm
• ferm
• firm
• germ
• herm
• sperm
• term
• therm
• worm
• wurm
• affirm
• bookworm

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