squealing

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

squeal /skwil/   n. [countable]

1. Animal Behavior a somewhat long, sharp cry, as of pain, fear, pleasure, or surprise:
   a squeal of pain.

v. 

2. Animal Behavior to say or express (a squeal): [no object]
   The teenagers squealed with delight.
   [used with quotations]
   "We're so thrilled!'' they all squealed.
3. Slang Terms to give information to authorities, as the police, about one's fellow criminals;
   inform:
   [no object] One of the thieves squealed to the police, who then captured the rest of the gang.

squeal•er, n. [countable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

squeal (skwēl),  n. 

1. Animal Behavior a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
2. Slang Terms
   • an instance of informing against someone.
   • a protest or complaint;
     beef.

v.i. 

3. Animal Behavior to utter or emit a squeal or squealing sound.
4. Slang Terms
   • to turn informer;
     inform.
   • to protest or complain;
     beef.

v.t. 

5. to utter or produce with a squeal.

• 1250–1300; Middle English squelen; imitative

squeal′er, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

squeal / skwiːl/ noun

1. a high shrill yelp, as of pain
2. a screaming sound, as of tyres when a car brakes suddenly

verb

1. to utter a squeal or with a squeal
2. (intransitive) to confess information about another
3. (intransitive) to complain or protest loudly

Etymology: 13th Century squelen, of imitative origin

ˈsquealer noun