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Squab: meaning, definitions and examples

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squab

 

[ skwäb ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

bird species

A squab is a young, domesticated pigeon that is often raised for its meat. The term is typically used to refer to birds that are less than four weeks old, and they are known for their tender and flavorful flesh. Squabs are commonly used in gourmet cooking and are considered a delicacy in many cuisines around the world. They are usually harvested before they are fully fledged, resulting in their soft and succulent meat.

Synonyms

pigeon, young pigeon.

Examples of usage

  • The chef prepared a gourmet dish using squab.
  • Squab is often served with a rich sauce.
  • Many restaurants offer squab as a special menu item.
Context #2 | Verb

fighting behavior

To squab means to engage in a brief, tumultuous fight or quarrel, often among young people or children. The term is informal and is typically used to describe playful or minor altercations rather than serious conflicts. This usage underscores the sense of youthful exuberance and the propensity for small disputes that often characterize childhood interactions.

Synonyms

brawl, scuffle, tussle.

Examples of usage

  • The kids were squabbing over the last piece of cake.
  • They often squab during their games.
  • The siblings would squab playfully over toys.

Translations

Translations of the word "squab" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pombo jovem

🇮🇳 बच्चा कबूतर

🇩🇪 Küken

🇮🇩 anak merpati

🇺🇦 пташеня голуба

🇵🇱 pisklę gołębia

🇯🇵 ヒナ

🇫🇷 poussin de pigeon

🇪🇸 pichón

🇹🇷 yavru güvercin

🇰🇷 비둘기새끼

🇸🇦 صغير الحمام

🇨🇿 kuře holuba

🇸🇰 mláďa holuba

🇨🇳 鸽子雏鸟

🇸🇮 mladi golob

🇮🇸 ungur dúfu

🇰🇿 бала көгершін

🇬🇪 ბაჭიაცა

🇦🇿 balaca göyərçin

🇲🇽 pichón

Etymology

The word 'squab' originates from Middle English, specifically from the term 'squabbe,' which means a young bird, particularly a pigeon. The roots can be traced back to Old French 'esquab' and have connections to the Latin 'cubiculum,' meaning 'a small room or chamber,' reflecting the sheltered life of these birds in nests. The culinary use of squab developed over centuries, with many cultures appreciating the tender meat of young pigeons. Historically, squabs were often raised in homesteads and urban settings, making them a common source of protein for families. As agriculture evolved, squab farming became more pronounced, particularly in regions where pigeons were abundant. The dual meaning of squab as both a young pigeon and to squabble reflects a historical context of domestic life and playful interactions within communities. Thus, its use has expanded to encompass both zoological and social dynamics.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,823 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.