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View synonyms for squib

squib

[ skwib ]

noun

  1. a short and witty or sarcastic saying or writing.
  2. Journalism. a short news story, often used as a filler.
  3. a small firework, consisting of a tube or ball filled with powder, that burns with a hissing noise terminated usually by a slight explosion.
  4. a firecracker broken in the middle so that it burns with a hissing noise but does not explode.
  5. Australian. a coward.
  6. an electric, pyrotechnic device for firing the igniter of a rocket engine, especially a solid-propellant engine.
  7. Obsolete. a mean or paltry fellow.


verb (used without object)

, squibbed, squib·bing.
  1. to write squibs.
  2. to shoot a squib.
  3. to explode with a small, sharp sound.
  4. to move swiftly and irregularly.
  5. Australian.
    1. to be afraid.
    2. to flee; escape.

verb (used with object)

, squibbed, squib·bing.
  1. to assail in squibs or lampoons.
  2. to toss, shoot, or utilize as a squib.

squib

/ skwɪb /

noun

  1. a firework, usually having a tube filled with gunpowder, that burns with a hissing noise and culminates in a small explosion
  2. a firework that does not explode because of a fault; dud
  3. a short witty attack; lampoon
  4. an electric device for firing a rocket engine
  5. obsolete.
    an insignificant person
  6. slang.
    a coward
  7. damp squib
    damp squib something intended but failing to impress


verb

  1. intr to sound, move, or explode like a squib
  2. intr to let off or shoot a squib
  3. to write a squib against (someone)
  4. intr to move in a quick irregular fashion
  5. slang.
    intr to behave in a cowardly fashion

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Other Words From

  • squibbish adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of squib1

First recorded in 1515–25; origin uncertain

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Word History and Origins

Origin of squib1

C16: probably imitative of a quick light explosion

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Example Sentences

“Active” search nodes depend on noise sources that can be as simple as an explosive squib.

A squib or two enforced edicts; a rocket set a constitution squarely on its feet.

He'll go off like a squib: and then he'll smoulder acridly and sceptically even against his own fire.

Rowlandson has taken the idea and fitted it to the purpose of an electioneering squib.

Such love must come to disaster; it is like a damp squib, it is never properly alight and fades out swiftly in noisy splutters.

I told Arthur to leave out the former squib or paragraph and use only the Californian's Story.

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