squawk
12 synonyms for squawk, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short, harsh cry, especially one made by a bird or a person in alarm.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A short, harsh cry, especially one made by a bird or a person in alarm.
“The parrot let out a squawk when the door slammed.”
How to use squawk
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
squawk in protest
a squawk of alarm
Etymology
First recorded in the early 1800s, almost certainly an imitation of the harsh cry itself.
Full origin of squawk →Frequently asked questions
What does “squawk” mean?
The word “squawk” means a short, harsh cry, especially one made by a bird or a person in alarm. In plain terms, a harsh, sudden cry — or to complain loudly about something.
How do you pronounce “squawk”?
“Squawk” is pronounced skwawk (/skwɔːk/ in IPA).
How do you use “squawk” in a sentence?
Here is “squawk” used in a sentence: “The parrot let out a squawk when the door slammed.”
What part of speech is “squawk”?
Depending on how it is used, “squawk” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “squawk” come from?
The word “squawk” dates back to around 1800. First recorded in the early 1800s, almost certainly an imitation of the harsh cry itself.
How many meanings does “squawk” have?
“Squawk” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short, harsh cry, especially one made by a bird or a person in alarm.
