What does squirted mean?
“Squirted” is the past tense and past participle of the verb “squirt,” meaning to force or spray a liquid in a thin stream. The word is especially common when describing water, ink, paint, or another fluid emerging from a pipe, nozzle, container, or body. It can also describe something moving suddenly in a narrow stream, as when a small jet of water crossed the room. The verb is neutral in tone and can suggest either an ordinary spray or a forceful, slightly comic eruption. In everyday use, “squirted” often emphasizes the suddenness of the movement or the narrowness of the stream. Its meaning is broadly the same in British and American English, although “jet” and “spray” are useful alternatives in formal or technical contexts.
verbPast tense of “squirt”: to force or spray a thin stream of liquid from an opening, or to move suddenly in a thin stream.
- To force or spray liquid in a thin stream from an opening.
- To move or issue suddenly in a thin stream.
- To eject liquid forcefully from the body.
"The broken pipe squirted water across the pavement."
"The faulty nozzle squirted a thin jet of coolant across the machine."
"She squirted a little water from her mouth and laughed."
A sudden squirted spray can leave a lasting mark: even a tiny incident may become a memorable story.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does squirted come from?
The verb “squirt” developed in English as a word for a small, forceful jet of liquid and is probably influenced by the sharp, brief sound associated with such a jet. Adding the suffix “-ed” forms the regular past tense and past participle “squirted.” The modern verb is now commonly used for sprays from openings, sudden narrow streams, and forceful ejection of liquid.
Related word forms
How squirted is actually used
“Squirted” is the simple past tense and past participle of “squirt.” It can describe a controlled spray, an involuntary jet of liquid, or a sudden, forceful movement.