What does squinting mean?
Squinting means looking with the eyes narrowed or partly closed. People squint in bright sunlight, when examining small print, or when trying to make out a distant object. The word can also describe a suspicious, annoyed, or doubtful look, as when someone squints at an unexpected statement. In descriptive writing, squinting may refer to an appearance rather than a deliberate action: a face can seem to squint through a cracked window or because of a broad grin. The term is useful because it captures the physical adjustment involved in trying to improve one’s vision, as well as the expressive impression of doubt or displeasure. It is neutral and widely used in both British and American English.
verbTo look with the eyes partly closed, especially in bright light or when trying to see something more clearly. It can also mean to look at someone or something with suspicion, annoyance, or a doubtful expression.
- Looking with the eyes partly closed, especially because of bright light or difficulty in seeing.
- Looking at someone or something with suspicion, annoyance, or doubt.
- Taking on a narrowed or distorted appearance, as when viewed through a poor lens or while smiling broadly.
"She squinted into the sunlight as she searched the distant hillside."
"He squinted at the tiny print and reached for his glasses."
"The old photograph was fading, and the faces seemed to be squinting back at him."
A squint is the face your eyes make when brightness, distance, or suspicion gets in the way of a clear look.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does squinting come from?
The word comes from the English verb “squint,” which is attested from the early 17th century and probably reflects an Old English or earlier Germanic root associated with narrowing or closing the eyes. Its modern forms, including the present participle “squinting,” developed within English and are not directly borrowed from a clearly identifiable foreign language.
Related word forms
How squinting is actually used
The word is neutral in register. Its use for an annoyed or suspicious look often conveys a subtle, informal tone, while the optical sense is common in descriptions of bright light, small text, or distant objects.
Easily confused with squinting
To squint is to look with narrowed or partly closed eyes, whereas to squinch is to tighten the face or compress the eyes in discomfort or exertion.