squeal

[ skweel ]

noun

1. a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
2. Slang.
   1. an instance of informing against someone.
   2. a protest or complaint; beef.

verb (used without object)

1. to utter or emit a squeal or squealing sound.
2. Slang.
   1. to turn informer; inform.
   2. to protest or complain; beef.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or produce with a squeal.

squeal

/ skwiːl /

noun

1. a high shrill yelp, as of pain
2. a screaming sound, as of tyres when a car brakes suddenly

verb

1. to utter a squeal or with a squeal
2. slang.
   intr to confess information about another
3. informal.
   intr to complain or protest loudly

Derived Forms

• ˈsquealer, noun

Other Words From

• squealer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of squeal¹

1250–1300; Middle English squelen; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of squeal¹

C13 squelen , of imitative origin

Example Sentences

His voice ranged over octaves, from squeals of laughter to a basso profundo of moral righteousness, from whispers of prayer to shouts of joy.

From Time

The tires provide unexpected grip, with predictable traction limits and surprisingly little tire squeal.

From Popular-Science

For this same reason, tamper your squeals of joy and avoid shining lights if you enter sea caves while kayaking, since animals enjoy cozying up inside.

From Outside Online

Joni Ernst made her opponents squeal like pigs on Tuesday night.

From The Daily Beast

In a back room, video poker machines ding and chirp with the occasional squeal of delight from a winner.

From The Daily Beast

Even with all the money in the bank, most Hollywood stars and executives are loathe to squeal to protect their own hide.

From The Daily Beast

Some sound concrete clarion calls, some are like string quartets, some trumpet brazen marches, and some squeal in sheer discord.

From The Daily Beast

From the minute he appears on screen, the women in the Los Angeles theater squeal with delight.

From The Daily Beast

On coming out his skin would be shining like ebony, and he would squeal with pleasure as I rubbed water down his back.

From Project Gutenberg

She aint had time fer ter squeal en needer fer ter grunt 'fo' Brer Wolf gobble 'er up.

From Project Gutenberg

As he lay in the dark trying to gasp some breath back into his lungs, he could still hear the squeal.

From Project Gutenberg

When kicked out she gave a little protesting squeal, but she had an extra curl in her tail that showed how happy she was.

From Project Gutenberg

They were ready to fight for their rights and squeal their protests for fair play before they were an hour old.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• howl
• peep
• rasp
• screech
• shriek
• squawk
• wail
• yelp