squawk

[ skwawk ]

verb (used without object)

1. to utter a loud, harsh cry, as a duck or other fowl when frightened.
2. Informal. to complain loudly and vehemently.

   Synonyms: yelp, complain, gripe, grumble

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or give forth with a squawk.

noun

1. a loud, harsh cry or sound.
2. Informal. a loud, vehement complaint.
3. the black-crowned night heron. night heron

squawk

/ skwɔːk /

noun

1. a loud raucous cry; screech
2. informal.
   a loud complaint or protest

verb

1. to utter a squawk or with a squawk
2. informal.
   intr to complain loudly

Derived Forms

• ˈsquawker, noun

Other Words From

• squawker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of squawk¹

1815–25; blend of squall ² and hawk ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of squawk¹

C19: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

While climbing, I was startled by an abrasive squawk coming from a deep crevice hiding a nest.

From Science News

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi also recently told CNBC’s Squawk on the Street how he views the expansion into new delivery categories.

From Fortune

The show was named Squawk on the Street, which makes me think more of puppets than stocks.

From The Daily Beast

I would like you to tell Mrs. Meredith that the Squawk is like all other babies in the world and hear what she has to say!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cackle
• hoot
• screech
• yap