squabble
verb (used without object)
to engage in a petty quarrel.
were squabbling
-
past progressiveof squabble.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Before they were squabbling in court and attending fashion galas, today’s masters of the universe built their names on engineering, coding and hard-charging leadership.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 18, 2026
Nigeria’s players were squabbling with their coaching staff and federation as well, and less than a week before the World Cup, there were fears this game might not be played.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 16, 2023
As Warren and Buttigieg were squabbling, Klobuchar broke in to admonish both for their exchanges.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 19, 2019
While these outraged boys were squabbling, they missed the point—the dustbin is history.
From Slate ● Apr. 24, 2014
When people were squabbling over some little matter, he would settle the argument wisely.
From "The Girl Who Married a Lion: and Other Tales from Africa" by Alexander Mccall Smith
