What does squash mean?
Squash has several related uses. As a noun, it can refer to a fruit with a firm rind and soft, often sweet flesh, especially varieties such as butternut, acorn, and spaghetti squash. It can also mean a pulpy preparation made by crushing fruit or vegetables, a densely packed group, or the racket sport traditionally associated with a school gym. As a verb, squash means to press, crush, or compress something, as in squashing a flat box. In more figurative contexts, it means to suppress an idea, put an end to opposition, or defeat an opponent decisively. The word is useful because it moves easily between physical actions and social or political metaphors: one can squash fruit, squash a crowd into a small space, or squash a rebellion. Although the pronunciation is similar in British and American English, the vowel quality differs, with British speakers more commonly using /skwɒʃ/ and American speakers /skwɑːʃ/.
A fruit with a hard rind and soft flesh; also, a soft pulpy mass made from crushed food, a densely packed crowd, or the racket sport played with a small ball and a racket.
"The shop sells several varieties of squash, including acorn and spaghetti squash."
To crush, flatten, or compress something; to suppress or end something; or to defeat an opponent decisively.
"The company attempted to squash the negative publicity with a confident new announcement."
The count plural refers to separate fruits or instances of crushing or defeating; food made from squash is generally uncountable.
"The farmer's market had pumpkins, tomatoes, and several squashes on display."
The word for a familiar garden fruit comes from an Indigenous language of the northeastern United States, while its sporting sense was inspired by a ball that was struck against a wall.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does squash come from?
The word entered English in the 17th century through contact with Indigenous peoples of northeastern North America, where the plant and its fruit were known by names in Algonquian languages. The English noun initially referred chiefly to the fruit. The verb developed from the idea of pressing or crushing the fruit, and the sporting sense arose from a ball struck against a wall. Its relatives in English, such as “squashed” and “squashy,” follow the ordinary modern formation of the word.
Related word forms
How squash is actually used
The fruit sense is standard in British and American English. The verb can sound informal or forceful, especially in phrases such as “squash a bug” or “squash a rebellion”; “suppress” or “defeat” may be more formal in formal writing.
Easily confused with squash
Squash generally involves flattening, compressing, or suppressing something, whereas squish means to press something gently so that it makes a soft sound.