noun / verb
squeal
SKWEEL/skwiːl/
A piercing high-pitched cry.
The piglet squeals as a nearby listener winces and covers her ears.
Etymology
Middle English squelen described a shrill cry or a child's scream, preserving the piercing quality heard in a modern squeal. Its deeper origin is probably imitative.
In context
tie him down to put a halter on him and he'd try to bite you and squeal
More examples
- The children let out squeals of delight when the puppy appears.
- The brakes squeal whenever I stop the car.
- She gave a startled squeal when the balloon popped.
Forms
squeal · squeals · squealed · squealing