squeaker

[ skwee-ker ]

noun

1. a person or thing that squeaks.
2. Informal. a contest or game won by a very small margin.
3. Informal. a dangerous situation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of squeaker¹

First recorded in 1635–45; squeak + -er ¹

Example Sentences

In 2020, Trump won two-thirds of the vote in Greenlee County while losing Arizona in a squeaker he falsely maintains was stolen.

From Los Angeles Times

Smart lost a couple of limited series supporting squeakers in 2016 and 2020, when she competed with great performances in “Fargo” and “Watchmen.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Californians Against Proposition 1 campaign said the measure wasn’t a “huge” win for Newsom, but “an embarrassing squeaker of a victory.”

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a squeaker, but “Spider-Verse” likely prevails for the simple reason that more people saw it.

From Los Angeles Times

Traditionally, Iowa caucuses are squeakers, so close that Democrats failed to produce definitive results in the chaotic 2020 contest.

From New York Times

Related Words

• close call
• shocker