What does squat mean?
Squat has several related uses. As a verb, it means to lower the body by bending the knees deeply, either briefly or for a period of time; in a fitness context, it commonly refers to a repeated exercise performed in this position. It can also mean to occupy land or premises without legal permission, a usage associated with disputes over housing and property. As an adjective, squat describes something low and broad, such as a squat building or a squat figure. The noun normally names the exercise or a person who occupies a place without authority, though it can also refer more generally to a squatting posture. Across these senses, the word links a bent-knee body position with compact physical form. It is useful in both ordinary descriptions and more specialized legal, architectural, and fitness contexts.
To sit or stand with the knees deeply bent and the body lowered; also, to occupy a place without legal permission.
"The protesters squatted in the vacant lot to prevent construction from beginning."
The exercise sense is often transitive when describing repetitions, as in 'perform squats'; the occupier sense is commonly used in legal and social contexts.
A body-weight exercise involving repeated bending of the knees and rising; also, a person who occupies land or premises without legal permission.
"She did a set of squats before her morning run."
In legal and housing contexts, the term often implies unauthorized occupation.
Low and broad in shape; compact and solidly built.
"The old stone building has a squat, practical appearance."
This use is especially common of buildings, structures, and people or animals that appear low and stocky.
The standard plural of the exercise noun is 'squats'; a plural can also refer to multiple people who occupy a place without legal permission.
"The trainer demonstrated several squats."
One word can describe both a deep knee bend and a low, compact building, linking body posture with physical proportions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of squat
The precise origin of squat is uncertain. The word is attested in Middle English and developed in meanings connected with sitting or standing in a low, bent-knee position. Its later legal sense, meaning to occupy a place without permission, and its broad adjective use reflect the continuing idea of being low, settled, or firmly in place. The word's history is associated with Germanic and medieval English usage, but its exact formative origin is not securely established.
How squat is actually used
In its exercise sense, squat is standard and widely understood. As a verb meaning to occupy a place without permission, it is especially associated with housing and land disputes. The adjective sense is common in descriptions of buildings, people, and objects that are low or compact.
Easily confused with squat
The noun squat most commonly refers to a body-weight exercise involving repeated bending of the knees, while the verb squat can mean to sit or stand with the knees deeply bent.