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squall

 - 7 dictionary results

squall

1  [skwawl] ,
Use squall in a Sentence
–noun
1. a sudden, violent gust of wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet.
2. a sudden disturbance or commotion.
–verb (used without object)
3. to blow as a squall.
Origin:
1690–1700; perh. special use of squall 2

Related forms:
squallish, adjective

squall

2  [skwawl] ,
–verb (used without object)
1. to cry or scream loudly and violently: The hungry baby began to squall.
–verb (used with object)
2. to utter in a screaming tone.
–noun
3. the act or sound of squalling: The baby's squall was heard next door.
Origin:
1625–35; perh. < ON skvala shriek, cry; cf. Sw, Norw skvala splash, stream

Related forms:
squaller, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To squall
squall 1   (skwôl)   
n.  A loud, harsh cry.
intr.v.   squalled, squall·ing, squalls
To scream or cry loudly and harshly.

[Probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skvala, to squeal.]
squall'er n.
squall 2   (skwôl)   
n.  

  1. A brief sudden violent windstorm, often accompanied by rain or snow.

  2. Informal A brief commotion.

intr.v.   squalled, squall·ing, squalls
To blow strongly for a brief period.

[Probably of Scandinavian origin.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

squall  (n.)
"sudden, violent gust of wind," 1719, originally nautical, probably from a Scand. source (cf. Norw. skval "sudden rush of water," Sw. skvala "to gush, pour down"), probably ult. a derivative of squall (v.).

squall  (v.)
"cry out loudly," 1631, probably from O.N. skvala "to cry out," of imitative origin (cf. squeal).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Encyclopedia

squall

as used by weather forecasters, a sudden wind-speed increase of 8 metres per second (18 miles per hour) or more, for one minute or longer. It includes several briefer wind-speed changes, or gusts. A squall is often named for the weather phenomenon that accompanies it, such as rain, hail, or thunder; a line squall is one associated with a squall line of thunderstorms that is often hundreds of kilometres long.

Learn more about squall with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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