What does squally mean?
Squally is an adjective describing weather that is stormy, turbulent, and marked by strong or gusty winds. It is especially associated with sudden outbreaks of wind, often accompanied by rain or snow, as in “squally weather” or “squally winds.” In figurative use, the word can suggest a scene or situation that is unsettled, difficult, or full of noisy activity. Although it may sometimes be used loosely to mean merely windy, its usual connotation is more dramatic and unsettled than that of the ordinary word windy. Squally is common in British and American English and is especially useful when the force and changing character of the wind deserves emphasis.
adjectiveCharacterized by violent or gusty wind, especially weather marked by sudden strong winds and often heavy rain or snow.
- Describing weather marked by strong, turbulent, or gusty winds.
- Describing a scene or period characterized by wild, unsettled, or stormy conditions.
"The squally weather forced the hikers to seek shelter."
"A squally afternoon brought heavy rain and fierce gusts."
"The small boat disappeared into the squally horizon."
The word “squally” captures the abrupt arrival of wind that can turn an ordinary day into a dramatic weather event.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does squally come from?
The adjective squally was formed in English from the noun squall with the suffix -y. The noun squall is recorded from the early 17th century, but its ultimate origin is uncertain. The adjective follows the ordinary English pattern of adding -y to a noun to create an adjective describing a quality or condition.
Related word forms
How squally is actually used
Most often used to describe weather, especially weather involving sudden strong winds. It can also convey a sense of turbulence or difficulty, but the meteorological sense is dominant.
Easily confused with squally
A squall is a sudden period of violent wind, while squally is an adjective describing weather or conditions marked by such winds.