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

Other Word Forms

• squawker 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

Even the animals are distinctive—especially Kōkī, the pet parrot who acts like a Shakespearean fool, squawking incautious truths to Tongan authority.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Budget hawks can squawk all they like, but sooner or later Japan’s defense needs will force higher military spending.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The plane transmitted a 7700 squawk code - which are broadcast to tell air traffic control that there is an emergency and the aircraft needs priority handling.

Read more on BBC

In the ocean-side city of Gloucester, about an hour north of Boston, the sharp smell of salt air has been undercut by the lingering funk of rotting garbage, and squawking seagulls circle overhead.

Read more on BBC

Molting peacocks squawked in the distance and a Pacific breeze whispered through the eucalyptus as flamingo keeper Liz Gibbons tidied her station at the San Francisco Zoo.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cackle 
• hoot 
• screech 
• yap