squall

1 of 4

verb (1)

squalled; squalling; squalls
Synonyms of squallnext

intransitive verb

: to cry out raucously : scream
a squalling baby

transitive verb

: to utter in a strident voice
"… goodbye, goodbye!" squalled Polly …Louisa May Alcott
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
Unlike longer-lasting snowstorms, squalls move fast and can catch drivers off guard, especially when roads appear mostly clear just moments before conditions deteriorate. Brandi D. Addison, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 13 Jan. 2026 Snow squalls in the Detroit area caused a number of car crashes on Interstate 75 on Monday, prompting the Michigan State Police to close the northbound highway and causing major backups for travelers. Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 29 Dec. 2025
Noun
They may be characterized by one main squall or multiple squalls. Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026 These squalls could cause sudden drops in visibility, including near-whiteout conditions, even where snowfall totals remain light. Brandi D. Addison, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 13 Jan. 2026 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 18 Jan. 2026.

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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