squabble

[skwob-uhl]

verb (used without object)

squabbled, squabbling 

1. to engage in a petty quarrel.

   Synonyms: fight, bicker, wrangle, quarrel

verb (used with object)

squabbled, squabbling 

1. Printing.,  to disarrange and mix (composed type).

noun

1. a petty quarrel.

squabble

/ ˈskwɒbəl /

verb

1. (intr) to quarrel over a small matter

noun

1. a petty quarrel

Other Word Forms

• squabbler noun
• squabblingly adverb
• unsquabbling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squabble¹

1595–1605; probably < Scandinavian; compare Swedish dialect skvabbel a quarrel, gossip, Norwegian dialect skvabba to prattle

Word History and Origins

Origin of squabble¹

C17: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Swedish dialect sqvabbel to quarrel

Example Sentences

Zelensky, in a dramatic address recorded after receiving the 28-point plan, urged Ukrainians to “stop squabbling” so as not to let the country’s enemies divide it.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The three of them squabbled, and Penelope sighed.

Read more on Literature

“Couples can get stuck in these squabbles that are not grounded to the goal of getting something done.”

Read more on MarketWatch

What he belittles as intramural squabbling is the difficult and necessary work of moral and political hygiene for the conservative movement—and the country.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But then he took aim at "squabbling" between countries.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• altercation 
• bickering 
• controversy 
• difference 
• difference of opinion www.thesaurus.com
• disagreement 
• dispute 
• feud 
• flap 
• hassle 
• quarrel 
• spat 
• tiff 
• wrangle