Quick answer
squawk means to give a loud harsh cry, complain noisily, or utter a sharp shriek. It is usually pronounced SKWAWK, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
squawk
To squawk means to give a loud harsh cry, complain noisily, or utter a sharp shriek. It belongs to speech, noise, and verbal nonsense and works best in complaints about jargon, gossip, fuss, and the many noises people make with language. It is still understandable today, but it usually sounds more vivid and deliberate than ordinary modern vocabulary.
At a glance
speechnoiseverbal-nonsense
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If you squawk, you to give a loud harsh cry, complain noisily, or utter a sharp shriek. The verb usually suggests something more expressive, comic, or textured than a plain everyday substitute.
Why this word feels absurd
squawk 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
squawk 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?
squawk 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 interns began to squawk at once when the projector failed again.
- He squawked through the explanation so fast that nobody trusted the final answer.
- In the play, nervous witnesses squawk whenever the magistrate clears his throat.
- She refused to squawk about the crisis and gave the room a usable plan instead.
- The children squawked excitedly after finding the attic full of costumes.
When should you use this word?
Use squawk when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in complaints about jargon, gossip, fuss, and the many noises people make with language.
Similar words
anarchic, babble, bellow, blather, bloviate
Opposite or contrasting words
calm, clarity, order
Common questions
- What does squawk mean? to give a loud harsh cry, complain noisily, or utter a sharp shriek.
- How do you pronounce squawk? It is commonly pronounced SKWAWK.
- Is squawk still used today? squawk 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 squawk? Use squawk when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in complaints about jargon, gossip, fuss, and the many noises people make with language.
- What words are similar to squawk? Similar words include anarchic, babble, bellow, and blather.
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.