squawk

American  

[skwawk] / skwɔk /

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

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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 British  

/ skwɔːk /

noun

1. a loud raucous cry; screech

2. informal  a loud complaint or protest

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verb

1. to utter a squawk or with a squawk

2. informal  (intr) to complain loudly

Other Word Forms

• squawker noun

Etymology

Origin of squawk

1815–25; blend of squall ² and hawk ³

Example Sentences

A laptop on the center console dings like a supermarket scanner every time license-plate readers attached to the truck capture another car’s tag—and the computer squawks when it spots a possible repo candidate.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From 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.

From 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.

From BBC

Related Words

• cackle
• hoot
• screech
• yap