English Explanatory Dictionary

squall

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To cry or wail loudly.
  2. To fall suddenly and forcefully, as if a squall.
noun
  1. A sudden storm, as found in a squall line.
  2. A squall line, multicell line, or part of a squall line.
  3. A loud cry or wail.

Pronunciation

/ˈskwɔːl/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-squall.wav

Word forms

squall squalls squalling squalled

Etymology

From Middle English *squalen and squelen (“to cry, scream, squall”), from Old Norse skvala (“to cry out”), probably ultimately imitative with influence from squeal and bawl. Cognate with Swedish skvala (“to gush, pour down”), Norwegian skval (“sudden rush of water”). The noun is probably from the verb.

Derived words

squaller squally black squall rainsquall snow squall squallery squallish thundersquall white squall
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