Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

squeal

Pronunciation: /skwiːl/
Translate squeal | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of squeal

noun

  • a long, high-pitched cry or noise:they drew up with a squeal of brakes

verb

[no object]
  • 1make a squeal:the girls squealed with delight
  • [with direct speech] say something in a high-pitched, excited tone:‘Don’t you dare!’ she squealed
  • informal complain or protest about something:the bookies only squealed because we beat them
  • 2 informal inform on someone to the police or a person in authority:she feared they would victimize her for squealing on their pals

Derivatives

squealer

noun

Origin:

Middle English (as a verb): imitative. The noun dates from the mid 18th century

squeal in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of squeal in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

GET PRO ►

Shop for an Oxford dictionary
Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kəː /
noun
an aggressive or unkempt dog …