verb
C2
Proficient
squint
skwihnt
Squint (verb) means to look with eyes partly closed, often because of bright light or to focus better. Example: “He squinted at the sun as he searched for the plane.”
verb
1
To look with eyes partly closed, often because of bright light or to focus better.
"He squinted at the sun as he searched for the plane."
"She squinted at the tiny print on the label."
2
To have eyes that point in different directions; to suffer from a vision condition called strabismus.
"Their toddler squints slightly in one eye."
noun
1
An expression made by narrowing the eyes.
"She gave the document a suspicious squint."
How to use squint
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo narrow your eyes to see better or block out light, or a medical condition where the eyes don't align.
Common pairings
squint at
squint in the sun
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Word forms
- Plural
- squints
- Third person singular
- squints
- Past tense
- squinted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ at the sun as he searched for the plane.
Etymology
Derived from the older word asquint, meaning "obliquely" or "with a sidelong glance."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for squint
See all rhymes for squint →Frequently asked questions
What does “squint” mean?
The word “squint” means to look with eyes partly closed, often because of bright light or to focus better. In plain terms, to narrow your eyes to see better or block out light, or a medical condition where the eyes don't align.
How do you pronounce “squint”?
“Squint” is pronounced skwihnt (/skwɪnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “squint” in a sentence?
Here is “squint” used in a sentence: “He squinted at the sun as he searched for the plane.”
What is another word for “squint”?
Words with a similar meaning to “squint” include skelly.
What part of speech is “squint”?
Depending on how it is used, “squint” can be a verb and a noun.
How many meanings does “squint” have?
“Squint” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to look with eyes partly closed, often because of bright light or to focus better.
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