squirm

verb

squirmed; squirming; squirms
Synonyms of squirmnext

intransitive verb

: to twist about like a worm : fidget
squirm noun
squirmy adjective

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
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.
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 Some circles encourage silence, not as a time to squirm, but as the most generative time for listening. Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 The player who was hit by the cart immediately grabbed his thigh and knee area while squirming in pain on the ground. Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026 The snakes continue squirming in his grasp, and one bites him. Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for squirm

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1691, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of squirm was circa 1691

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squirm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squirm. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

squirm

verb
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 adjective

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