verb
C2
Proficient
squirm
skwurm
Squirm (verb) means to twist and wriggle the body, like a worm or snake. Example: “The toddler squirmed on her mother's lap.”
verb
1
To twist and wriggle the body, like a worm or snake.
"The toddler squirmed on her mother's lap."
"The fish squirmed as he tried to unhook it."
2
To feel or show discomfort, embarrassment, or awkwardness.
"He squirmed under the interviewer's tough questions."
noun
1
A wriggling, twisting movement.
"She gave a squirm to free herself from his grip."
How to use squirm
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo wriggle physically, or to feel awkward and uncomfortable, especially when put on the spot.
Common pairings
squirm with embarrassment
squirm out of
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Word forms
- Plural
- squirms
- Third person singular
- squirms
- Past tense
- squirmed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The toddler _____ on her mother's lap.
Etymology
First recorded in the 1690s, originally describing eels; the deeper origin is uncertain.
Class of 1690
squirm joined the language around 1690.
See the full Class of 1690 →
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “squirm” mean?
The word “squirm” means to twist and wriggle the body, like a worm or snake. In plain terms, to wriggle physically, or to feel awkward and uncomfortable, especially when put on the spot.
How do you pronounce “squirm”?
“Squirm” is pronounced skwurm (/skwɝm/ in IPA).
How do you use “squirm” in a sentence?
Here is “squirm” used in a sentence: “The toddler squirmed on her mother's lap.”
What part of speech is “squirm”?
Depending on how it is used, “squirm” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “squirm” come from?
The word “squirm” dates back to around 1690. First recorded in the 1690s, originally describing eels; the deeper origin is uncertain.
How many meanings does “squirm” have?
“Squirm” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to twist and wriggle the body, like a worm or snake.
What does it mean when someone squirms?
Squirm covers two related ideas: a physical wriggling movement, the way a worm or a child in an uncomfortable chair moves, and a feeling of discomfort or embarrassment strong enough to make someone shift or fidget. "The kids squirmed during the long car ride" is the physical sense; "he squirmed under the tough questions" is the emotional one.
Is squirm a noun or a verb?
Both. As a verb it means to twist and wriggle, or to show discomfort ("stop squirming"). As a noun it names that movement itself ("gave a little squirm and broke free").
Example sentences
She watched him squirm as the interviewer asked why he'd left his last job so suddenly.
The dog squirmed out of its harness the moment she looked away.
He squirmed in his seat all through the meeting, checking his phone every few minutes.
A tin full of squirming maggots sat on the workbench, ready for the fishing trip.
One good squirm and the toddler had slipped free of her coat.
Featured in
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Further Reading
Squirm.io →
A free browser worm game: steer around a shared arena, eat pellets to grow, and cut off rival worms without letting your own head touch anyone's body.
