noun

squeegee

SKWEE-jee

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Squeegee (noun) means a tool with a rubber blade fixed at a right angle to a handle, used for scraping, cleaning or drying flat surfaces such as windows, windscreens or floors. Example: “He ran a squeegee over the shower screen to clear the water off.”

noun

A tool with a rubber blade fixed at a right angle to a handle, used for scraping, cleaning or drying flat surfaces such as windows, windscreens or floors.

"He ran a squeegee over the shower screen to clear the water off."

"The window cleaner drew his squeegee down the glass in smooth strokes."

"She kept a small squeegee in the car for clearing the windscreen."

verb

To press, spread or clear something using a squeegee.

"He squeegeed the puddle towards the drain before it could spread."

"They squeegeed the ink across the screen to print the design."

"Squeegee the window dry once you have washed it."

How to use squeegee

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA squeegee is the rubber-bladed tool you drag across a wet surface to wipe the water away.

When to use it

Squeegee is an everyday, slightly informal-sounding word, even though it is the standard name for the tool.

Memory tip

Both syllables rhyme with 'bee': say it roughly as SKWEE-jee, stressing the first part.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

squeegee the windscreen run a squeegee over squeegee blade squeegee the window

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He ran a _____ over the shower screen to clear the water off.

Etymology

Squeegee probably grew out of the informal verb squeege, an intensified form of squeeze, with the ending -ee added to form a noun for the thing doing the action. It has earlier relatives squilgee and squillgee, used for a similar blade-and-handle tool for cleaning a ship's deck. The verb squeegee was then formed from the noun.

Origin: English

Rhymes for squeegee

ee see bee wee nee pee fee tee zee gee vee ree

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Frequently asked questions

What is a squeegee used for?

It is used to clear liquid off flat surfaces, such as wiping water from windows, shower screens or car windscreens.

Is squeegee also a verb?

Yes, to squeegee something means to use a squeegee on it, or to press or spread a substance with one.

Where does the word squeegee come from?

It likely comes from the informal word squeege, an intensified form of squeeze, with -ee added to name the tool.

What is the meaning of squeegee?

"squeegee" (noun) means a tool with a rubber blade fixed at a right angle to a handle, used for scraping, cleaning or drying flat surfaces such as windows, windscreens or floors.