Meaning & use
squalled
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“squalled” is a form of “squall”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbintransitive
(of the wind or weather) blew suddenly and strongly for a short time.
Grammar: No object; the subject is the wind, the storm, or the weather itself.
Patterns
- it squalled
- the wind squalled
The wind squalled against the windows all night and rattled the shutters.
It squalled briefly at midday, then the sky cleared as fast as it had darkened.
verbintransitive
(of a baby or young child) cried loudly and sharply for a short time.
Grammar: No object; often followed by a time phrase such as 'for a minute' or 'all night'.
Patterns
- squalled for something
- squalled all night
The baby squalled for ten minutes before finally falling asleep.
He squalled when the nurse gave him the injection, then calmed down at once.
verbtransitive or intransitiveinformal
(of a person) shouted something in a loud, harsh voice.
Grammar: Can take a direct object (the words shouted) or stand alone; often followed by 'at someone'.
Patterns
- squalled at someone
- squalled something
The coach squalled at the referee from the touchline.
She squalled an answer over the noise of the crowd.
Word forms
| base form | squall |
|---|---|
| third person singular | squalls |
| past tense | squalled |
| past participle | squalled |
| -ing form | squalling |
Common combinations
- the wind squalled
- The wind squalled through the valley and tore at the tents.
- squalled all night
- The baby squalled all night, so none of us slept.
- squalled at someone
- He squalled at the driver to get out of the way.
- squalled for attention
- The puppy squalled for attention until someone picked it up.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- squall noun
- a sudden, brief, violent gust of wind, or a loud short cry.
- squally adjective
- describing weather with sudden strong gusts of wind.
- squalling adjective
- making a loud, harsh crying or shouting sound.
Commonly confused: squalled or squealed? squalled or squandered?
squalled vs squealed
'Squealed' means made a high, thin sound like a pig or a delighted child; 'squalled' is lower, harsher, and often about wind or angry crying.
squalled vs squandered
'Squandered' means wasted money or chances, and only the spelling looks similar.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'squalled' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Squalled' describes a sudden, violent burst of wind or a loud short cry, so it fits the weather sentence. The other options use verbs of placing, spending, or postponing, which 'squall' never means.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “squalled”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.