screeching

American

[skree-ching] / ˈskri tʃɪŋ /

adjective

causing or uttering screeches.

screeching bats.
characteristic of screeches; harshly shrill.

a screeching tone.

noun

the act or sound of a person or thing that screeches.

Other Word Forms

screechingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of screeching

First recorded in 1610–20; screech + -ing ², -ing ¹

Vocabulary lists containing screeching

"The Interlopers" and "An Interview with the King of Terror"

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As China hit back with tariffs of its own, the tit-for-tat exchange sent tariff rates spiralling into the triple digits and for a few weeks brought trade between the two giants to a screeching halt.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

As we talk, on occasion the screeching call of a toucan pierces the quiet, and miles above, the same giant black birds hover menacingly in groups, surveying everything below.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Most movie car chases involve screeching around city corners, weaving in and out of traffic and almost always smashing into a few police cars.

From Barron's • Mar. 8, 2026

Her tenure at the outlet came to a screeching halt after reports of her alleged romance with Kennedy, 71, surfaced last year.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

Since I wasn’t screeching at him to get away, he must’ve thought he was free and clear to a fine, feathered dinner.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023