squall
1[ skwawl ]
/ skwɔl /
noun
a sudden, violent gust of wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet.
a sudden disturbance or commotion.
verb (used without object)
to blow as a squall.
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Nearby words
squadron, squadron leader, squadsman, squalene, squalid, squall, squall line, squally, squalor, squam-, squama
Origin of squall
1First recorded in 1690–1700; perhaps special use of squall2
Related forms
squall·ish, adjectiveDefinition for squall (2 of 2)
squall
2[ skwawl ]
/ skwɔl /
verb (used without object)
to cry or scream loudly and violently: The hungry baby began to squall.
verb (used with object)
to utter in a screaming tone.
noun
the act or sound of squalling: The baby's squall was heard next door.
Origin of squall
21625–35; perhaps < Old Norse skvala shriek, cry; compare Swedish, Norwegian skvala splash, stream
Related forms
squall·er, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for squall
British Dictionary definitions for squall (1 of 2)
squall
1/ (skwɔːl) /
noun
a sudden strong wind or brief turbulent storm
any sudden commotion or show of temper
verb
(intr) to blow in a squall
Derived Forms
squallish, adjectivesqually, adjectiveWord Origin for squall
C18: perhaps a special use of squall ²
British Dictionary definitions for squall (2 of 2)
squall
2/ (skwɔːl) /
verb
(intr) to cry noisily; yell
noun
a shrill or noisy yell or howl
Derived Forms
squaller, nounWord Origin for squall
C17: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic skvala to shout; see squeal
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Science definitions for squall
squall
[ skwôl ]
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.