squeak

1 of 2

verb

ˈskwēk How to pronounce squeak (audio)
squeaked; squeaking; squeaks
Synonyms of squeaknext

intransitive verb

1
: to utter or make a short shrill cry or noise
2
: squeal sense 2a
3
: to pass, succeed, or win by a narrow margin
just squeaked by in the election

transitive verb

: to utter in a shrill piping tone

squeak

2 of 2

noun

1
: a sharp shrill cry or sound
2
: escape
a close squeak
squeaky
ˈskwē-kē How to pronounce squeak (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of squeak

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Verb

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Examples of squeak in a Sentence

Verb I could hear the mouse squeaking. She squeaked when I pinched her. My shoes squeak when I walk. The wheel squeaks when it turns. He squeaked into office by fewer than 2,000 votes. “I can't believe it!” she squeaked. Noun She gave out a squeak.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Enacted in 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act squeaked through the Senate only through a tiebreaking vote cast by Vice President Kamala Harris. — Kayla Morton, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 His three goals against the Canucks proved to be the difference, too, as the Cats needed every bit of Brady's offensive prowess to squeak out a 3-2 victory in overtime. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
Every wiggle and wobble, every snuffle and squeak of six newborn puppies snuggling together in Finland is captured by cameras monitoring their development in the first weeks of their lives. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026 Nestled deep among the wads of shredded paper and other bric-a-brac, the occupants made not a squeak, concealed to anyone who looked through the carrier’s door. — Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for squeak

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English squeken, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of squeak was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing squeak

Rhymes for squeak

See All Rhymes for squeak

Browse Nearby Words

squdgy
squeak
squeaker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squeak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squeak. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

squeak

1 of 2 verb
ˈskwēk How to pronounce squeak (audio)
1
: to make a short shrill cry or noise
2
: to pass, succeed, or win by a narrow margin
barely squeaked by
3
: to utter in a shrill tone

squeak

2 of 2 noun
1
: a sharp shrill cry or sound
2
: escape entry 2 sense 1
a close squeak
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