squeal

1 of 2

verb

squealed; squealing; squeals

intransitive verb

1
: to make a shrill cry or noise
2
a
: to turn informer
squeal to the police

transitive verb

1
: to express with or as if with a squeal
2
: to cause to make a loud shrill noise
squealing the tires
squealer noun

squeal

2 of 2

noun

: a shrill sharp cry or noise

Examples of squeal in a Sentence

Verb The car squealed to a stop. He squealed the tires and drove off. She squealed to the teacher. “Let me go,” she squealed. Noun She heard the pig's squeals.
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
González squeals with delight at the praise and, in a post-meeting video, cries while recounting all the people who helped make her dream come true. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 15 July 2025 There was lots of squealing and pointing as the kids gathered 'round their new fluffy neighbors. The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Noun
For extended fun, save $25 on a Regalo extra-large portable play yard or set up an outdoor Disney Minnie Mouse swing for squeals of delight. Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 8 July 2025 Save for a few ear-piercing squeals, the day-old piglet happily took to bottle feeding and scurried around as several members of the Nashville Zoo veterinary team worked to weigh and examine him. Laura L. Davis, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for squeal

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English squelen, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1747, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of squeal was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squeal. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

squeal

1 of 2 verb
1
: to make a long shrill cry or noise
2
a
: inform sense 2
squealed to the teacher
3
: to utter with or as if with a squeal
squealer noun

squeal

2 of 2 noun
: a long shrill cry or noise

More from Merriam-Webster on squeal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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