squeegee

[skwee-jee, skwee-jee]

noun

1. an implement edged with rubber or the like, for removing water from windows after washing, sweeping water from wet decks, etc.

2. a similar and smaller device, as for removing excess water from photographic negatives or prints or for forcing paint, ink, etc., through a porous surface, as in serigraphy.

verb (used with object)

squeegeed, squeegeeing 

1. to sweep, scrape, or press with or as if with a squeegee.

2. to force (paint, ink, etc.) through a screen in making a silk-screen print.

squeegee

/ ˈskwiːdʒiː /

noun

1. an implement with a rubber blade used for wiping away surplus water from a surface, such as a windowpane

2. any of various similar devices used in photography for pressing the water out of wet prints or negatives or for squeezing prints onto a glazing surface

verb

1. to remove (water or other liquid) from (something) by use of a squeegee

2. (tr) to press down (a photographic print, etc) with a squeegee

Word History and Origins

Origin of squeegee¹

First recorded in 1835–45; originally a nautical term; of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of squeegee¹

C19: probably of imitative origin, influenced by _squeeze

Example Sentences

The sustenance is presided over by a sculpture of an Amazonian woman, who wields a squeegee rather than a lance.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Others have hit the streets, selling flowers and brandishing squeegees to wash car windows.

Read more on New York Times

Edan McPherson dips a long squeegee into a pool of melted chocolate, draws the rubber blade across the coarse mesh.

Read more on New York Times

Reynolds’ baseball bat could be considered a deadly weapon and his actions placed the squeegee workers in imminent danger, the attorneys said.

Read more on Seattle Times

The high-profile tragedy reignited longstanding debate about Baltimore’s squeegee workers, mostly Black youths from disadvantaged backgrounds looking to make fast cash.

Read more on Seattle Times

Related Words

• dab 
• swab 
• wipe