squall

1
[ skwawl ]
/ skwɔl /

noun

a sudden, violent gust of wind, often accompanied by rain, snow, or sleet.
a sudden disturbance or commotion.

verb (used without object)

to blow as a squall.

Origin of squall

1
First recorded in 1690–1700; perhaps special use of squall2

OTHER WORDS FROM squall

squall·ish, adjective

Definition for squall (2 of 2)

squall 2
[ skwawl ]
/ skwɔl /

verb (used without object)

to cry or scream loudly and violently: The hungry baby began to squall.

verb (used with object)

to utter in a screaming tone.

noun

the act or sound of squalling: The baby's squall was heard next door.

Origin of squall

2
1625–35; perhaps < Old Norse skvala shriek, cry; compare Swedish, Norwegian skvala splash, stream

OTHER WORDS FROM squall

squall·er, noun

Example sentences from the Web for squall

British Dictionary definitions for squall (1 of 2)

squall 1
/ (skwɔːl) /

noun

a sudden strong wind or brief turbulent storm
any sudden commotion or show of temper

verb

(intr) to blow in a squall

Derived forms of squall

squallish, adjective squally, adjective

Word Origin for squall

C18: perhaps a special use of squall ²

British Dictionary definitions for squall (2 of 2)

squall 2
/ (skwɔːl) /

verb

(intr) to cry noisily; yell

noun

a shrill or noisy yell or howl

Derived forms of squall

squaller, noun

Word Origin for squall

C17: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic skvala to shout; see squeal

Scientific definitions for squall

squall
[ skwôl ]

A brief, sudden, violent windstorm, often accompanied by rain or snow. A squall is said to occur if a wind having a sustained speed of 40 km (25 mi) per hour lasts at least 1 minute and then decreases rapidly. See also squall line.