Definition of SQUAWK

squawk

Meanings

Plural: squawk, squawked, squawks

Noun

  • the noise of squawking
    • "she awoke to the squawk of chickens"
    • "the squawk of car horns"
  • informal terms for objecting
  • A shrill noise, especially made by a voice or bird. If made by a bird, it typically signals discomfort or anger; a yell, scream, or call.
  • A four-digit transponder code used by aircraft for identification or transmission of emergency signals.
  • A complaint or objection.
  • An issue or complaint related to aircraft maintenance.
  • The American night heron.
  • A warning message indicating a possible error.

Verb

  • utter a harsh abrupt scream
  • complain
  • To make a squawking noise; to yell, scream, or call out shrilly.
  • To speak out; to protest.
  • To report an infraction; to rat on or tattle; to disclose a secret.
  • To produce a warning message, indicating a possible error.
  • To set or transmit a four-digit transponder code. (Normally followed by the specific code in question.)
  • To back out in a mean way.

Origin / Etymology

First attested in 1821. Unknown, but probably of imitative origin (compare dialectal Italian squacco (“small-crested heron”)).

Scrabble Score: 22

squawk is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
squawk is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
squawk is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 23

squawk is a valid Words With Friends word