squiggle

[ skwig-uhl ]

noun

1. a short, irregular curve or twist, as in writing or drawing.

verb (used without object)

, squig·gled, squig·gling.

1. to move in or appear as squiggles:

   His handwriting squiggled across the page.

verb (used with object)

, squig·gled, squig·gling.

1. to form in or cause to appear as squiggles; scribble.

squiggle

/ ˈskwɪɡəl /

noun

1. a mark or movement in the form of a wavy line; curlicue
2. an illegible scrawl

verb

1. intr to wriggle
2. intr to form or draw squiggles
3. tr to make into squiggles

Derived Forms

• ˈsquiggler, noun
• ˈsquiggly, adjective

Other Words From

• squig·gly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of squiggle¹

First recorded in 1830–40; blend of squirm and wriggle

Word History and Origins

Origin of squiggle¹

C19: perhaps a blend of squirm + wiggle

Example Sentences

The genus name uncus means “hook” in Latin, after the fishhooklike squiggles on the rock left by the fossils.

From Science Magazine

"That's what happened here. We had all sort of noticed this fishhook squiggle on the rock. It was pretty prominent because it was really, really deep."

From Science Daily

My hearing had gotten worse, as shown on an audiogram filled with X’s, O’s and squiggles connecting them.

From Salon

In other scenes, such as one where he's specifically asked his name, squiggle lines appear over his lips, suggesting that a spell has been cast to prevent him from revealing himself.

From Salon

Grooves in the hillside squiggle down toward a pasture and bike path at its base.

From Los Angeles Times