squib

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a short humorous or satiric writing or speech
b
: a short news item
especially : filler
2
a
: a small firecracker
b
: a broken firecracker in which the powder burns with a fizz
3
: a small electric or pyrotechnic device used to ignite a charge

squib

2 of 2

verb

squibbed; squibbing

intransitive verb

1
: to speak, write, or publish squibs
2
: to fire a squib

transitive verb

1
a
: to utter in an offhand manner
b
: to make squibs against : lampoon
2
: to shoot off : fire
3
: to kick (a football) on a kickoff so that it bounces along the ground

Examples of squib in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The only squib marks left on anyone were on the almost 5,000 patrons who braved one of the most refreshingly moderate ocean breezes California has to offer to see maybe still the best homegrown group California has had to offer in any recent year. Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025 Tyler Locklear dribbled an infield squib hit to rookie third baseman Kyle Karros, who couldn’t make the tough play, allowing Arizona to load the bases. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2025
Verb
But then Sean McDermott, the Bills coach, elected to kick the ball deep instead of squibbing it and bleeding a little more time off the clock. Mike Lupica, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2024 Having just scored to regain the lead, Clay-Chalkville tried to squib the ensuing kickoff. Ben Thomas | Bthomas@al.com, al, 3 Dec. 2021 See All Example Sentences for squib

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of squib was circa 1525

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squib.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squib. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

squib

noun
ˈskwib
: a short humorous or witty writing or speech

More from Merriam-Webster on squib

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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