Finesentence

Squeak Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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squeak

squeak

🇺🇸 /ˈskwik/ · 🇬🇧 /skwˈiːk/

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sound

A short, high-pitched sound or cry.

Synonyms

chirp, peep, squeal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
squeak

Usually describes a high-pitched noise made by objects, small animals, or people when they're frightened or excited. It can also refer to a brief, small sound.

  • The mouse made a small squeak when it saw the cat
  • The door hinges need oiling; they squeak every time you open it
peep

Describes a very soft, high-pitched sound, typical of baby birds or small animals. It can also refer to a brief, slight noise made by humans. Generally used in gentle or quiet contexts.

  • The baby chicks began to peep as soon as they hatched
  • She didn't make a peep during the entire meeting
squeal

Refers to a long, high-pitched sound often made by animals or people in moments of pain, excitement, or fear. It can have a negative connotation when implying something is annoying or unpleasant.

  • The pig let out a loud squeal when it was caught
  • The child squealed with delight when she saw her birthday cake
chirp

Commonly used to describe the cheerful, repetitive sounds made by birds or insects. It has a positive connotation.

  • The birds started to chirp early in the morning
  • I can hear the crickets chirping outside

Examples of usage

  • The mouse let out a squeak as it ran across the floor.
  • I heard a squeak coming from the old door.
Context #2 | Verb

sound

Make a high-pitched sound or cry.

Synonyms

screech, squeal, whine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
squeak

Often used to describe a short, high-pitched sound, typically emitted by small animals or objects like doors.

  • The mouse let out a tiny squeak.
  • The door needs oiling; it makes a squeak every time it opens.
squeal

Usually refers to a long, high-pitched sound, often made by children in excitement or pigs. Can also describe the sound of tires when a vehicle suddenly accelerates.

  • The children let out a squeal of delight when they saw the presents.
  • The car's tires squealed as it sped around the corner.
  • The pig's squeal was loud and piercing.
screech

Typically used to describe a loud, harsh, high-pitched sound, often associated with brakes, birds of prey, or someone screaming.

  • The car came to a halt with a screech of the brakes.
  • The owl's screech echoed through the forest.
whine

Describes a long, complaining, and high-pitched sound, often used to describe a child or animal seeking attention. It can also indicate a high-pitched noise made by machinery.

  • The dog began to whine when it wanted to go outside.
  • The child continued to whine about not getting any candy.
  • The engine emitted a constant whine as it revved up.

Examples of usage

  • The rusty hinges squeaked as I opened the door.
  • The toy squeaked when squeezed.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “squeak”

Squeak is a 1-syllable noun and verb. It is pronounced /ˈskwik/ in American English and /skwˈiːk/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #22,895 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'squeak'

The word 'squeak' originated from Middle English 'squken' which meant to utter a shrill cry. Over time, it evolved into 'squeak' in the 16th century. The association of the word with high-pitched sounds led to its usage in various contexts related to small animals or objects producing such sounds.

Rhymes

Squeak rhymes with cacique, clinique, greek, misspeak, veronique, week, speak and seek.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,895, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.