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squawk

[ skwawk ]
/ skwɔk /
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See synonyms for: squawk / squawking on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)
to utter a loud, harsh cry, as a duck or other fowl when frightened.
Informal. to complain loudly and vehemently.
verb (used with object)
to utter or give forth with a squawk.
noun
a loud, harsh cry or sound.
Informal. a loud, vehement complaint.
the black-crowned night heron.See under night heron.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of squawk

1815–25; blend of squall2 and hawk3

OTHER WORDS FROM squawk

squawker, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for squawk

squawk
/ (skwɔːk) /

noun
a loud raucous cry; screech
informal a loud complaint or protest
verb
to utter a squawk or with a squawk
(intr) informal to complain loudly

Derived forms of squawk

squawker, noun

Word Origin for squawk

C19: of imitative origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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