squib

[ skwib ]

/ skwɪb /

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.

Nearby words

squeezed joint, squeezy, squeg, squelch, squeteague, squib, squib kick, squibb, squid, squidgy, squiffed

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

Examples 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

Word Origin and History for squib

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.

squib

noun

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

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

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Nearby words

Origin of squib

Examples from the Web for squib

British Dictionary definitions for squib

squib

noun

verb squibs, squibbing or squibbed

Word Origin for squib

Word Origin and History for squib

squib