What does squawk mean?
A squawk is a short, loud, harsh cry, most commonly associated with birds such as geese, ducks, and parrots. It can also describe an abrupt, high-pitched noise made by a person, vehicle, or machine. Verb usage often means complaining or protesting forcefully: a person who objects loudly to a decision may be described as squawking about it. This figurative sense is informal and can suggest indignation, alarm, or exaggerated resistance rather than a calm, reasoned objection. The word is particularly useful because it conveys both volume and abruptness, distinguishing it from a thinner squeak and a usually longer squeal. As a noun, a squawk may denote the cry itself or the public protest associated with it. In everyday language, the expression often carries a mildly dismissive tone, particularly when describing repeated or conspicuous complaints.
A short, loud, harsh, high-pitched cry or noise, especially one made by a bird or a person.
"There was a sudden squawk from the henhouse."
Figuratively, the noun can mean a forceful or noisy complaint, often with a mildly dismissive tone.
To make a short, loud, harsh cry or, figuratively, to complain or protest forcefully.
"He squawked when the chair tipped over."
The figurative sense is informal and commonly suggests a brief, noisy, or indignant objection.
The plural is used for individual cries or noises and, figuratively, for separate complaints or protests.
"The protest was accompanied by loud squawks from the crowd."
A squawk is the everyday word for the sudden, trumpet-like alarm call of a goose—and for the equally unmistakable protest of an offended human.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does squawk come from?
The word originated as an imitative rendering of a sharp, high-pitched cry and is generally dated to the mid-19th century. It was associated especially with the calls of birds such as turkeys and geese. Its later extended sense for loud human complaint developed from the notion of making a piercing, conspicuous noise. The word belongs to a family of English imitative formations that also includes squeak and squeal, although these developed as distinct words rather than simple inflections of one another.
Related word forms
How squawk is actually used
The literal sense is common for birds and sudden mechanical or human noises. The figurative sense, meaning to protest loudly, is informal and often implies a sharp, brief, or indignant objection.
Easily confused with squawk
A squeak is generally a thinner, higher or more sustained sound, while a squawk is typically louder, harsher, and more abrupt.
A squeal is usually a prolonged, high-pitched cry, whereas a squawk is comparatively brief and sharp.