Definition

Adjective: 1. Emitting a high-pitched, sharp sound: Describing something that produces a shrill, often piercing noise, similar to the sound made by a mouse, a rusty hinge, or brakes. 2. Characterized by or producing such a sound: Used to characterize an object, person, or situation that is associated with this type of noise.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a sound source:

  • The squealing brakes alerted everyone on the street.
  • We could hear the squealing piglets from the barn.

• Describing the sound itself:

  • A squealing noise came from the old elevator shaft.
  • The children ran through the yard with squealing laughter.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative use for protest or complaint: Can describe a loud, high-pitched, and insistent complaint or protest.
  • The squealing taxpayers demanded an explanation for the new fees. (This use personifies the taxpayers as making a noise like a squeal.)

Variants and Related Words

• Squeal (verb): To make a long, high-pitched cry or noise.
  • The tires will squeal if you turn too sharply.
• Squeal (noun): A long, high-pitched cry or noise.
  • The pig let out a loud squeal.
• Squeaky (adjective): Making a short, high-pitched sound.
  • The squeaky floorboard gave away his position.

Synonyms

• Screeching: Implying a louder, more harsh and grating high-pitched sound.
• Shrieking: Often associated with a high-pitched sound made by a person or animal in fear or excitement.
• Piercing: Emphasizing the sharp, penetrating quality of the sound.

Antonyms

• Deep: Having a low frequency or pitch.
• Booming: Making a loud, deep, resonant sound.
• Muffled: A sound that is not loud or clear because it is blocked.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Squealing like a stuck pig: An idiom describing someone screaming or crying out very loudly, often in protest or pain.
  • He started squealing like a stuck pig when he saw the bill.

Adjective

1. having or making a high-pitched sound such as that made by a mouse or a rusty hinge