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

"I heard them in the cupboards and behind the bath panel. One morning when I woke up they were fighting under the bath, screaming and squealing."

From BBC

Katherine LaNasa’s radiant smile is contagious enough, but when she let out that girlish squeal after a clearly unexpected victory, I felt her excitement in my bones.

From Los Angeles Times

"You literally have tissues with you? I'm so impressed," Rapp squeals...

From BBC

Wee soccer players squeal past a cluster of seniors practicing tai chi.

From Los Angeles Times

"I wish I could bottle the squeals of delight and joy," she added.

From BBC

Related Words

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