squib

[skwib]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR squib ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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.

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.

verb (used with object), squibbed, squib·bing.

to assail in squibs or lampoons.

to toss, shoot, or utilize as a squib.

Origin of squib

First recorded in 1515–25; origin uncertain

Related formssquib·bish, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

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.
The Buccaneer Chief
Gustave Aimard
He arrived at his climax like a squib that attains its ideal.
When Ghost Meets Ghost
William Frend De Morgan
But the squib is run to the end of the rope: room for the prodigy of valour.
Character Writings of the 17th Century
Various
Would Leonidas have fastened a squib to the robe of the Spartan mother?
Damon and Delia
William Godwin
With eleven illustrations, designed by Squib, and engraved by Point.
Life of Charles Dickens
Frank Marzials

British Dictionary definitions for squib

squib

noun

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

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

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

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.