squall

UK: /ˈskwɔːl/ US: /skwɔl/ ,(skwôl)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

squall¹ /skwɔl/   n. [countable]

1. Meteorology a sudden, violent wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet.

v. [no object]

2. Meteorology (of wind) to blow as a squall.

squall² /skwɔl/   v. [no object]

1. to cry or scream loudly and violently:
   The baby was squalling.

n. [countable]

2. the act or sound of squalling.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

squall¹ (skwôl),  n. 

1. Meteorology a sudden, violent gust of wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet.
2. a sudden disturbance or commotion.

v.i. 

3. Meteorology to blow as a squall.

• perh. special use of squall² 1690–1700

squall′ish, adj. 

squall² (skwôl),  v.i. 

1. to cry or scream loudly and violently:
   The hungry baby began to squall.

v.t. 

2. to utter in a screaming tone.

n. 

3. the act or sound of squalling:
   The baby's squall was heard next door.

• Old Norse skvala shriek, cry; compare Swedish, Norwegian skvala splash, stream
• perh. 1625–35

squall′er, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

squall / skwɔːl/ noun

1. a sudden strong wind or brief turbulent storm
2. any sudden commotion or show of temper

verb

1. (intransitive) to blow in a squall

Etymology: 18th Century: perhaps a special use of squall²

ˈsquallish adjective

ˈsqually adjective

squall / skwɔːl/ verb

(intransitive) to cry noisily; yell

noun

1. a shrill or noisy yell or howl

Etymology: 17th Century: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic skvala to shout; see squeal

ˈsqualler noun