squeal

[skweel]

noun

1. a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.

2. Slang.

   1. an instance of informing against someone.

   2. a protest or complaint; beef.

verb (used without object)

1. to utter or emit a squeal or squealing sound.

2. Slang.

   1. to turn informer; inform.

   2. to protest or complain; beef.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or produce with a squeal.

squeal

/ skwiːl /

noun

1. a high shrill yelp, as of pain

2. a screaming sound, as of tyres when a car brakes suddenly

verb

1. to utter a squeal or with a squeal

2. slang,  (intr) to confess information about another

3. informal,  (intr) to complain or protest loudly

Other Word Forms

• squealer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of squeal¹

1250–1300; Middle English squelen; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of squeal¹

C13 squelen , of imitative origin

Example Sentences

"I heard them in the cupboards and behind the bath panel. One morning when I woke up they were fighting under the bath, screaming and squealing."

From BBC

Katherine LaNasa’s radiant smile is contagious enough, but when she let out that girlish squeal after a clearly unexpected victory, I felt her excitement in my bones.

From Los Angeles Times

"You literally have tissues with you? I'm so impressed," Rapp squeals...

From BBC

Wee soccer players squeal past a cluster of seniors practicing tai chi.

From Los Angeles Times

"I wish I could bottle the squeals of delight and joy," she added.

From BBC

Related Words

• howl 
• peep 
• rasp 
• screech 
• shriek 
• squawk 
• wail 
• yelp