squall
1- a sudden, violent gust of wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet.
- a sudden disturbance or commotion.
- to blow as a squall.
Origin of squall
1squall
2- to cry or scream loudly and violently: The hungry baby began to squall.
- to utter in a screaming tone.
- the act or sound of squalling: The baby's squall was heard next door.
Origin of squall
2Related Words for squall
gale, windstorm, tempest, gust, shower, flurry, blow, draft, storm, commotion, gush, trouble, blast, bluster, windExamples from the Web for squall
Historical Examples of squall
By this time the squall had passed, and it lightened up a little.
Ned MyersJames Fenimore Cooper
The instant I was aware there was a squall, I sprang for the jib-sheet.
Ned MyersJames Fenimore Cooper
So the swoop of the squall took them completely by surprise.
Fair HarborJoseph Crosby Lincoln
The last commands were roars at the horse, for, at that moment, the squall struck.
Fair HarborJoseph Crosby Lincoln
In fact, the squall struck before I was abreast the Colton place.
The Rise of Roscoe PaineJoseph C. Lincoln
squall
1- a sudden strong wind or brief turbulent storm
- any sudden commotion or show of temper
- (intr) to blow in a squall
Word Origin for squall
squall
2- (intr) to cry noisily; yell
- a shrill or noisy yell or howl
Word Origin for squall
Word Origin and History for squall
"sudden, violent gust of wind," 1719, originally nautical, probably from a Scandinavian source (cf. Norwegian skval "sudden rush of water," Swedish skvala "to gush, pour down"), probably ultimately a derivative of squall (v.).
"cry out loudly," 1630s, probably from Old Norse skvala "to cry out," of imitative origin (cf. squeal). Related: Squalled; squalling.
squall
- A brief, sudden, violent windstorm, often accompanied by rain or snow. A squall is said to occur if a wind having a sustained speed of 40 km (25 mi) per hour lasts at least 1 minute and then decreases rapidly. See also squall line.