squib

[ skwib ]

/ skwɪb /

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.

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disgruntle

to deprive of ability, qualification, or strength

to put into a state of sulky dissatisfaction

to make repayment or return for (service, benefits, etc.)

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Origin of squib

First recorded in 1515–25; origin uncertain

OTHER WORDS FROM squib

squibbish, adjective

Words nearby squib

squeeze through, squeezy, squeg, squelch, squeteague, squib, Squibb, squib kick, squid, squidgy, squiffed

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for squib

The squib had long burnt out by the time we got there; but the sight that met our astonished gaze was magnificent.
A Veldt Official|Bertram Mitford
Considering himself insulted by a squib in the Sangamo Journal, Douglas undertook to cane the editor.
Stephen A. Douglas|Allen Johnson
The squib scandalized some grave people, who wrote severe admonitions to the editor.
A Budget of Paradoxes, Volume I (of II)|Augustus De Morgan
"Let me make a squib too, Francie," he begged, squatting down on the mattress beside his host.
Soldier Rigdale|Beulah Marie Dix

This squib was published in Florence, and at once aroused the hostility of the Della Cruscans.
Roman Mosaics|Hugh Macmillan

British Dictionary definitions for squib

squib

/ (skwɪb) /

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

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squib

noun

verb (used without object), squibbed, squib·bing.

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

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Origin of squib

OTHER WORDS FROM squib

Words nearby squib

Example sentences from the Web for squib

British Dictionary definitions for squib

noun

verb squibs, squibbing or squibbed

Word Origin for squib

MEANINGS

WORD GAMES

LEARN

WRITING

WORD OF THE DAY

squib

noun

verb (used without object), squibbed, squib·bing.

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

QUIZZES

IS YOUR VOCABULARY AS STRONG AS A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT? TRY THIS QUIZ TO SEE!

Origin of squib

OTHER WORDS FROM squib

Words nearby squib

Words related to squib

Example sentences from the Web for squib

British Dictionary definitions for squib

noun

verb squibs, squibbing or squibbed

Word Origin for squib