squawk

[ skwawk ]
See synonyms for: squawksquawking on Thesaurus.com

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.

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.

  1. the black-crowned night heron.: See under night heron.

Origin of squawk

1
1815–25; blend of squall2 and hawk3

Other words for squawk

Other words from squawk

  • squawker, noun

Words Nearby squawk

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use squawk in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for squawk

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. (intr) informal to complain loudly

Origin of squawk

1
C19: of imitative origin

Derived forms of squawk

  • squawker, noun

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