squib

American  

[skwib] / skwɪb /

noun

1. a short and witty or sarcastic saying or writing.

2. Journalism. a short news story, often used as a filler.

3. a small firework, consisting of a tube or ball filled with powder, that burns with a hissing noise terminated usually by a slight explosion.

4. a firecracker broken in the middle so that it burns with a hissing noise but does not explode.

5. Australian. a coward.

6. an electric, pyrotechnic device for firing the igniter of a rocket engine, especially a solid-propellant engine.

7. Obsolete. a mean or paltry fellow.

---

verb (used without object)

squibbed, squibbing

1. to write squibs.

2. to shoot a squib.

3. to explode with a small, sharp sound.

4. to move swiftly and irregularly.

5. Australian.

   1. to be afraid.

   2. to flee; escape.

verb (used with object)

squibbed, squibbing

1. to assail in squibs or lampoons.

2. to toss, shoot, or utilize as a squib.

squib British  

/ skwɪb /

noun

1. a firework, usually having a tube filled with gunpowder, that burns with a hissing noise and culminates in a small explosion

2. a firework that does not explode because of a fault; dud

3. a short witty attack; lampoon

4. an electric device for firing a rocket engine

5. obsolete an insignificant person

6. slang a coward

7. something intended but failing to impress

---

verb

1. (intr) to sound, move, or explode like a squib

2. (intr) to let off or shoot a squib

3. to write a squib against (someone)

4. (intr) to move in a quick irregular fashion

5. slang (intr) to behave in a cowardly fashion

Other Word Forms

• squibbish adjective

Etymology

Origin of squib

First recorded in 1515–25; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Since then the window has had its moments, but the final day itself has been something of a damp squib.

From BBC

But in the aftermath, many questioned why Buffalo sent its kickoff into the end zone rather than squibbing it to force a return and take critical seconds off the clock.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now Frank is out of the Cup following the latest damp squib in the former Brentford manager's wretched first season in charge.

From Barron's

Guardiola's 100th Champions League match as City boss was a damp squib, in stark contrast to so many of the previous 99, which includes 62 wins and the club's maiden European crown in 2023.

From Barron's

It's no mean feat, albeit both were a damp squib with Scotland wheezing their way to an early exit on each occasion without really landing a punch on, well, anyone.

From BBC

Related Words

• advertisement
• advice
• comment
• criticism
• directive
• instruction
• manifesto
• memo
• memorandum
• news
• note
• notification
• order
• picture
• poster
• proclamation
• review
• story
• warning