What does squiggle mean?
A squiggle is a short, irregular, wavelike line, shape, or movement. The word is especially common in informal contexts involving handwriting, drawing, graphs, or anything that appears to twist unpredictably. As a verb, “to squiggle” describes moving in a quick, wriggling, or irregular way, as a small animal might. A squiggle can also be a deliberately simple doodle, often playful rather than representational. The word is slightly less formal than “wriggle” and more specifically suggests a small, irregular, oscillating line or movement. Related forms include the adjective “squiggly,” as in “a squiggly path.” Together, the noun and verb cover both the visible form of a twisting line and the action of moving in that fashion, making the word useful for describing shapes and motion that are irregular, lively, and difficult to define precisely.
A short, irregular, wavelike line or shape.
"The child traced a bold squiggle through the middle of the paper."
Often informal and frequently used for a playful or decorative mark.
To move in a twisting, wriggling, or irregular path.
"The fish squiggled across the bottom of the tank."
Usually describes relatively small, quick, irregular movements.
The plural is used for individual wavelike lines or shapes and for multiple instances of irregular movement.
"Several colorful squiggles filled the margin of the notebook."
A squiggle turns an ordinary line into a doodle with personality: one quick stroke can suggest movement, energy, or playful unpredictability.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does squiggle come from?
The exact origin of “squiggle” is uncertain, but the word is an English formation that appeared in the 19th century. Its form and meaning became associated with writhing or twisting movement, and it was later extended to describe irregular, wavelike marks and shapes.
Related word forms
How squiggle is actually used
The noun and verb are informal and often playful or descriptive. “Squiggly” is commonly used for a line, path, or movement that repeatedly bends or twists.
Easily confused with squiggle
A squiggle is a wavelike or twisting mark, whereas a scribble is a broader mass of irregular writing that may not form a distinct line.
To squiggle is to make small twisting movements, while to squirm usually describes a more vigorous or contorted bodily movement.