What does squealing mean?
Squealing describes the act of producing a high-pitched cry or noise. A person may squeal with pain, fear, delight, or surprise, while an animal such as a pig may squeal sharply and continuously. The word can also characterize a mechanical sound, especially the prolonged protest of brakes or tyres under friction. As the present participle of squeal, it may stand alone to describe an ongoing action or appear before a noun as an adjective. Although “squealing” is closely related to “screaming” and “shrieking,” it often suggests a more sustained or strained sound and may carry an implication of excitement, distress, or comic intensity. It is equally common in British and American English, with “tyres” and “tires” providing the main regional variation in standard usage.
To make a high-pitched, strained cry or sound.
"She squealed when the roller coaster dropped sharply."
This is the present participle of squeal.
Making a high-pitched cry or sound.
"The mechanic replaced the squealing brakes."
This participial adjective commonly occurs before nouns such as brakes, tyres, and pigs.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does squealing come from?
Squealing was formed from the verb squeal by adding the present-participle ending -ing. The precise remote origin of the base verb is uncertain, though its sound is readily associated with the high-pitched cry of people and animals.
Related word forms
How squealing is actually used
Squealing is the present participle of squeal and is also used adjectivally before a noun, as in “squealing tyres.” The word often suggests a piercing, sustained, or excited sound.