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DictionarysquallHarsh cry
noun / verb

squall

A loud, harsh cry.

The baby's squall wakes everyone in the room.

Etymology

Squall is an expressive word for a harsh, loud cry. Its sound evokes the abrupt, prolonged noise it describes.

More examples

  • A gull squalls above the fishing boat.
  • He hears a harsh squall from the upset child.
  • The cats squall outside the closed door.

Forms

squall · squalls · squalled · squalling

Similar words

wail
Wail suggests a prolonged mournful cry; squall stresses a loud, harsh sound.
screech
Screech stresses a shrill, piercing sound; squall can suggest a harsh, protesting cry.