screeching

American  

[skree-ching] / ˈskri tʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. causing or uttering screeches.

   screeching bats.

2. characteristic of screeches; harshly shrill.

   a screeching tone.

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noun

1. 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

Example Sentences

The idea to launch a podcast began during the pandemic, when touring — and the world — came to a screeching halt.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 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

A screeching howl goes off inside the water park.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

Buses, both public and school, grumbling and screeching, smoke billowing from the tailpipes.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds

Related Words

• bitter
• bleak
• grim
• hard
• rigid
• severe
• sharp
• strident