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

The preview ends with a heart-swelling image of Osbourne smiling and squirming with joy in his throne. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2026

The kitten appears to be squirming in his alleged captor’s arms in surveillance footage of the incident, which Innab reviewed after Jabal’s disappearance. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2026

The man is seen swooping in, cradling Jabal, who seems to be squirming in the man's arms. — Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 13 Sep. 2026

Where Raphael’s infant Christ is plump, acquiescent, docile, Cassatt’s children squirm, resist, and ignore authority. — Carmen Rosenberg-Miller, Artforum, 6 Aug. 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