Examples Word Origin
See more synonyms for squib on Thesaurus.com a short and witty or sarcastic saying or writing. Journalism a short news story, often used as a filler. a small firework, consisting of a tube or ball filled with powder, that burns with a hissing noise terminated usually by a slight explosion. a firecracker broken in the middle so that it burns with a hissing noise but does not explode. Australian a coward. an electric, pyrotechnic device for firing the igniter of a rocket engine, especially a solid-propellant engine. Obsolete a mean or paltry fellow. Show More
verb (used without object), squibbed, squib·bing. to write squibs. to shoot a squib. to explode with a small, sharp sound. to move swiftly and irregularly. Australian to be afraid. to flee; escape. Show More
verb (used with object), squibbed, squib·bing. to assail in squibs or lampoons. to toss, shoot, or utilize as a squib. Show More
Origin of squib First recorded in 1515–25; origin uncertain
Related forms squib·bish , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for squib advice ,
comment ,
story ,
memorandum ,
directive ,
picture ,
notification ,
memo ,
instruction ,
criticism ,
order ,
note ,
warning ,
manifesto ,
proclamation ,
advertisement ,
poster ,
news ,
review ,
witticism Examples from the Web for squib Historical Examples of squib Here is a pistol, it is not loaded, but there is powder in the pan, and you can squib it.
He arrived at his climax like a squib that attains its ideal.
But the squib is run to the end of the rope: room for the prodigy of valour.
Would Leonidas have fastened a squib to the robe of the Spartan mother?
With eleven illustrations, designed by Squib , and engraved by Point.
British Dictionary definitions for squib a firework, usually having a tube filled with gunpowder, that burns with a hissing noise and culminates in a small explosion a firework that does not explode because of a fault; dud a short witty attack; lampoon an electric device for firing a rocket engine obsolete an insignificant person Australian and NZ slang a coward damp squib something intended but failing to impress Show More
verb squibs , squibbing or squibbed (intr) to sound, move, or explode like a squib (intr) to let off or shoot a squib to write a squib against (someone) (intr) to move in a quick irregular fashion (intr) Australian slang to behave in a cowardly fashion Show More
Word Origin for squib C16: probably imitative of a quick light explosion
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
Word Origin and History for squib n. 1520s, "short bit of sarcastic writing, witty scoff," of unknown origin. If the meaning "small firework that burns with a hissing noise" is the original one, the word might be imitative.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
