squall
squall Lexical Profile
squall Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A sudden, violent gust of wind or a localized storm, especially one bringing rain, snow, or sleet.
"The fishing boat sought shelter in the harbor just before the winter squall hit the coast."
A loud, harsh cry or scream, especially one made by a baby or bird.
"The sudden squall of the infant woke everyone in the quiet house."
• verb
To cry out or scream loudly and harshly (especially of a baby, child, or bird).
"Seagulls squalled overhead as the fishermen unloaded their morning catch."
To blow in sudden, violent gusts accompanied by rain or snow (of wind or weather).
"The wind began to squall across the open bay, churning the dark water into whitecaps."
• Rhymes for squall
Word Origin & Etymology
Entered English in the early 17th century from a Scandinavian source, likely related to Old Norse 'skvala', meaning 'to squeal or cry out'. The meteorological sense of a sudden, violent gust of wind developed later, likely by analogy with the noisy, howling sound of a storm.