squiggle

1 of 2

verb

squig·​gle ˈskwi-gəl How to pronounce squiggle (audio)
squiggled; squiggling ˈskwi-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce squiggle (audio)
Synonyms of squigglenext

intransitive verb

1
: squirm, wriggle
squiggling in her seat
2
: to write or paint hastily : scribble

transitive verb

1
2
: to form or cause to form in squiggles

squiggle

2 of 2

noun

: a short wavy twist or line : curlicue
especially : an illegible scrawl
squiggly adjective

Examples of squiggle in a Sentence

Verb a pediatrician's waiting room full of squiggling toddlers there are some illegible notes squiggled in the margins of the old book Noun His handwriting looks like a bunch of squiggles.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Verb
Even more special, one of our trip-goers designed the tattoo, an amphora decorated with Blackjack the pegasus and the signature squiggle from the chapters. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 17 June 2026 Order the iconic kaya toast on fluffy milk bread, squiggled with bright green pandan-coconut jam. Becky Duffett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 June 2026
Noun
Even more special, one of our trip-goers designed the tattoo, an amphora decorated with Blackjack the pegasus and the signature squiggle from the chapters. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 17 June 2026 The refreshing hue is perfect to complete a mix of manis, from florals to squiggles, to tips. Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for squiggle

Word History

Etymology

Verb

blend of squirm and wriggle

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1816, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of squiggle was circa 1816

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squiggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squiggle. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

squiggle

noun
squig·​gle
ˈskwig-əl
: a short wavy twist or line : curlicue

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