Quick answer
Squab means a young pigeon; also a short, thick cushion or sofa seat in furniture terms. It is usually pronounced , and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Squab
Squab means a young pigeon; also a short, thick cushion or sofa seat in furniture terms. It belongs to weird animal and nature words and works best in playful writing, lively dialogue, and moments when plain wording feels too flat. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
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How to say it
Meaning in plain English
In plain English, squab refers to a young pigeon; also a short, thick cushion or sofa seat in furniture terms. It is most useful when a plain label would tell the truth but miss the tone, flavor, or comic edge.
Why this word feels absurd
Squab feels absurd because the shape of it looks and sounds a little awkward in exactly the right way, which helps it stick in the ear.
Origin and history
Squab is generally traced to origin uncertain. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Squab is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
Example sentences
- The column dismissed the whole rumor as squab.
- In the novel, one squab is enough to derail the dinner party.
- She used squab in the essay because the plain modern word felt too bland.
- The teacher paused to explain squab before asking the class to use it in context.
- They kept repeating squab because the sound of it was almost as memorable as the meaning.
When should you use this word?
Use squab when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
Similar words
aardvark, axolotl, aye-aye, badger, bumblebee
Opposite or contrasting words
ordinary pet, familiar farm animal, common creature
Common questions
- What does squab mean? a young pigeon; also a short, thick cushion or sofa seat in furniture terms.
- How do you pronounce squab? It is commonly pronounced .
- Is squab still used today? Squab is uncommon today, but it still makes sense to modern readers because the tone and meaning come across quickly once you see it in context.
- When should you use squab? Use squab when you want a more vivid, characterful choice than the plain everyday alternative. It works especially well in playful writing, dialogue, and places where tone matters.
- What words are similar to squab? Similar words include aardvark, axolotl, aye-aye, and badger.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.