squiz

American

[skwiz] / skwɪz /

verb (used with object)

squizzed, squizzing

to peer at quickly and closely.

noun

a quick, close look.

squiz British

/ skwɪz /

noun

slang a look or glance, esp an inquisitive one

"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

Usage

What does squiz mean? A squiz is a short, close look at something. It can also be used as a verb meaning to take such a look. Squiz is Australian and New Zealand slang. It is most commonly used as a noun, especially in phrases like have a squiz and give (something) a squiz. Example: Give this room a squiz to see if you can find my car keys.

Etymology

Origin of squiz

First recorded in 1905–10; expressive formation, perhaps blend of squint and quiz

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I say, Laura," said Laurie very fast, "you might just give a squiz at my coat before this afternoon.

From The Garden Party and Other Stories by Mansfield, Katherine

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023