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squall
1[ skwawl ]
noun
- Meteorology. a sudden, strong wind of brief duration that is sustained for at least two minutes at a speed of at least 16 knots (18 miles per hour, 8 meters per second), often accompanied by precipitation, and then rapidly diminishes in speed: Compare gust 1( def 1 ).
We can’t rule out some short spells of heavy rain, as occasional squalls from the north are expected later today.
- Nautical. any local storm on navigable water that is typically sudden and severe, with strong winds often accompanied by precipitation and sometimes thunder and lightning:
He got soaked in a squall out in the bay, but thank heavens his skiff was just a few dozen yards from shore.
- a sudden disturbance or commotion:
Holidays with her family were always unnerving—you never knew when a pleasant moment was going to erupt into a chaotic squall.
verb (used without object)
- Meteorology, Nautical. to blow as a squall:
They say it may squall, but I say we should go ahead with our picnic plans.
squall
2[ skwawl ]
verb (used without object)
- to cry or scream loudly and violently:
The hungry baby began to squall.
verb (used with object)
- to utter in a screaming tone.
noun
- the act or sound of squalling:
The baby's squall was heard next door.
squall
1/ skwɔːl /
verb
- intr to cry noisily; yell
noun
- a shrill or noisy yell or howl
squall
2/ skwɔːl /
noun
- a sudden strong wind or brief turbulent storm
- any sudden commotion or show of temper
verb
- intr to blow in a squall
squall
/ skwôl /
- A brief, sudden, violent windstorm, often accompanied by rain or snow. A squall is said to occur if a wind having a sustained speed of 40 km (25 mi) per hour lasts at least 1 minute and then decreases rapidly.
- See also squall line
Derived Forms
- ˈsqualler, noun
- ˈsqually, adjective
- ˈsquallish, adjective
Other Words From
- squall·ish adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of squall2
Word History and Origins
Origin of squall1
Origin of squall2
Example Sentences
As the evening approached the weather clouded in and threatened us with another squall from the eastward.
The squall soon passed away, and left them almost becalmed, as before.
He wasn't there; he was drawing his breath for another squall away out on the floor.
But little Phin, he sleeps with me, and I don't know just how long it was before I was waked up by a great squall.
So home, a little before six, in a dashing squall of rain, to a bowl of kava and dinner.
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