squeaker

[skwee-ker]

noun

1. a person or thing that squeaks.

2. Informal.,  a contest or game won by a very small margin.

3. Informal.,  a dangerous situation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of squeaker¹

First recorded in 1635–45; squeak + -er ¹

Example Sentences

State referenda can be difficult to poll, but surveys say Maine on Tuesday might have a couple of squeakers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The squeaker was a rematch and nearly a rerun.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It was barely enough to win him the 2024 election in a squeaker, and it is already being eroded by his unpopular economic and immigration policies.

Read more on Salon

Hegseth's squeaker of a confirmation victory marks only the second time that a vice president has broken a Senate tie on a Cabinet confirmation vote.

Read more on Salon

In 2020, Trump won two-thirds of the vote in Greenlee County while losing Arizona in a squeaker he falsely maintains was stolen.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• close call 
• shocker