squabble
verb (used without object)
to engage in a petty quarrel.
squabbling
-
present participleof squabble.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
An issue like that can intensify the squabbling when a death occurs in the family.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 30, 2026
An unenlightening spectacle last week saw Porter float above the fray, wearily raising her eyebrows over the squabbling among her competitors.
From Barron's ● May 5, 2026
At times, the supreme leader has presented himself as almost above politics - looking down on the squabbling between Iran's reformists and conservatives.
From BBC ● Feb. 28, 2026
His successor, Charles I, ultimately couldn’t avoid the Thirty Years’ War on the Continent; his squabbling with Parliament helped lead to the rebellion and civil war that engulfed Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 5, 2025
Kote guessed the travelers had been together a month or so, long enough to become comfortable with each other, but not long enough to be squabbling over small things.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
