squeak

1 of 2

verb

squeaked; squeaking; squeaks

intransitive verb

1
: to utter or make a short shrill cry or noise
2
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 adjective

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
The cords have never needed replacing, the mat hasn’t sagged, and the frame doesn’t squeak—even during more intense workouts. Jordan Galloway, SELF, 15 July 2025 Taylor faced Serrano for the first time in 2022, and though many observers believed Serrano deserved the decision, especially after badly hurting Taylor midway through, Taylor squeaked out the split decision to become the undisputed lightweight champion. Josh Katzowitz, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
The footage shows the beautiful black cat not with a typical meow, but with a series of gentle squeaks. Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025 George's solo culminated in a symphony of squeaks before MJ Lenderman returned to the stage for a two-song encore. Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 17 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Squeak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squeak. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

squeak

1 of 2 verb
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

More from Merriam-Webster on squeak

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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