squeal

American  

[skweel] / skwil /

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.

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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 British  

/ skwiːl /

noun

1. a high shrill yelp, as of pain

2. a screaming sound, as of tyres when a car brakes suddenly

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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

Other Word Forms

• squealer noun

Etymology

Origin of squeal

1250–1300; Middle English squelen; imitative

Example Sentences

Zara squeezes my elbow and lets out a tiny squeal that only I can hear.

From Literature

“Oh, ho, ho!” he squealed, crimson eyes brightening.

From Literature

But it stopped for Tante Jans, brakes squealing, horses nearly falling over one another, and the driver tipped his tall hat as she swept aboard.

From Literature

Then we all squealed once more like pigs under a gate – louder.

From Literature

“Ruby, protect me!” he squealed in exaggerated high notes.

From Literature

Related Words

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