What does squint mean?
To squint is to look with the eyes partly closed, usually because light is bright or because something is difficult to see. The word can also describe a quick, penetrating, or suspicious look: “He squinted at the letter as if he doubted its contents.” In medical and everyday contexts, “to have a squint” refers to a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned, often with one eye turning inward. As a noun, a squint is the narrowed or sidelong look itself, as well as the eye condition. The verb is especially useful when describing someone trying to overcome glare, distance, or poor focus, and it carries a mild implication of scrutiny or suspicion when used with people.
To look with the eyes partly closed, especially in bright light or when trying to see something more clearly; also, to look quickly or suspiciously.
"The child squinted at the bright sun and held up a hand to shield her eyes."
“Squint at” is the usual construction. The verb can suggest suspicion or scrutiny when the subject is a person rather than an object.
A narrowed, sidelong, or suspicious look; also, an abnormal alignment of the eyes in which one eye turns inward or outward.
"He gave the photographer a guarded squint before posing for the portrait."
The eye-condition sense is commonly expressed as “have a squint.” In this sense, it is often used informally and may be considered less medically precise than strabismus.
The same word can describe both a deliberate narrowed look and an involuntary condition in which one eye points inward.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does squint come from?
The word comes from Middle English, where forms of squinten were used for looking with narrowed or distorted eyes. Its deeper origin is uncertain, and modern dictionaries generally describe the ultimate etymology as unknown. The modern sense for the misalignment of the eyes developed alongside the longstanding meanings of making a narrowed look and glancing sideways.
Related word forms
How squint is actually used
The verb is common in formal and informal English. “Squint at” often suggests a deliberate attempt to see more clearly, while a squint directed at a person may imply suspicion, annoyance, or scrutiny.