squirm

verb

ˈskwərm How to pronounce squirm (audio)
squirmed; squirming; squirms
Synonyms of squirmnext

intransitive verb

: to twist about like a worm : fidget
squirm noun
squirmy
ˈskwər-mē How to pronounce squirm (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of squirm

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Examples of squirm in a Sentence

The baby squirmed a lot when I tried to hold him. She squirmed under her father's angry stare. The children squirmed with delight. He tried to hold onto her but she squirmed free. The frog squirmed out of his hands. The gory details of the story had me squirming in my seat.
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.
The boy is screaming, squirming. — Kansas City Star, 22 May 2026 The snakes continue squirming in his grasp, and one bites him. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 26 May 2026 The player who was hit by the cart immediately grabbed his thigh and knee area while squirming in pain on the ground. — Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026 With the contact patch sliding and squirming, the brakes had less to work with—and the car took just enough extra distance to end in an impact. — Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for squirm

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

circa 1691, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of squirm was circa 1691

Rhymes for squirm

See All Rhymes for squirm

Browse Nearby Words

squirl
squirm
squirmy
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squirm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squirm. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

squirm

verb
ˈskwərm How to pronounce squirm (audio)
1
: to twist about like an eel or a worm
squirmed in their seats
2
: to feel very embarrassed
undeserved praise made us squirm
squirmy
ˈskwər-mē How to pronounce squirm (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on squirm

Nglish: Translation of squirm for Spanish Speakers

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