squirt

[skwurt]

verb (used without object)

1. to eject liquid in a jet from a narrow orifice.

   The hose squirted all over us.

2. to eject a spurt of liquid.

   The lemon squirted in my eye.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause (liquid or a viscous substance) to spurt or issue in a jet, as from a narrow orifice.

   Squirt the water over that way!

2. to wet or bespatter with a liquid or viscous substance so ejected.

   to squirt someone with a hose.

noun

1. the act of squirting.

2. a spurt or jetlike stream, as of water.

   Synonyms: livestream, spray, jet

3. a small quantity of liquid or viscous substance squirted.

   Put a squirt of chocolate sauce on my ice cream.

4. Informal.

   1. a youngster, especially a meddlesome or impudent one.

   2. a short person.

   3. an insignificant, self-assertive person, especially one who is small or young.

5. an instrument for squirting, as a syringe.

6. Dialect.,  Usually squirts. diarrhea.

squirt

/ skwɜːt /

verb

1. to force (a liquid) or (of a liquid) to be forced out of a narrow opening

2. (tr) to cover or spatter with liquid so ejected

noun

1. a jet or amount of liquid so ejected

2. the act or an instance of squirting

3. an instrument used for squirting

4. informal

   1. a person regarded as insignificant or contemptible

   2. a short person

Other Word Forms

• squirter noun
• squirtingly adverb
• unsquirted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squirt¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English verb squirten, apparently variant of swirten; cognate with Low German swirtjen in the same sense; perhaps akin to swirl; noun derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of squirt¹

C15: of imitative origin

Example Sentences

You can also add a few squirts of TJ’s Sriracha Sauce, just before adding the seasoning packet, for a spicy kick.

From Salon

“It wasn’t totally unusual for kids to be creeping around our house with big squirt guns,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

The footage, which was later deleted from YouTube and Instagram, showed the men laughing and smiling as they squirted water at traditionally-dressed pedestrians, including children, in Greater Manchester.

From BBC

These approaches were to do with different philosophies of dealing with a phenomenon known as 'tyre squirt'.

From BBC

Whipped cream squirted from an aerosol can is often called "skooshy cream" north of the border.

From BBC

Related Words

• pour 
• spatter 
• spit 
• splash 
• spray 
• sprinkle