squall

/skwɔl/

/skwɔl/

Other forms: squalls; squalling; squalled

A squall is a powerful, usually brief, burst of wind that usually brings rain or snow with it. When a snow squall blows across the mountain, skiers take a break in the ski lodge.

A squall is a violent, windy storm, often involving driving rain or snow. You can also describe a storm-like commotion as a squall, or the sound a wailing child or baby makes. In this case, you're using onomatopoeia, or a word that sounds like what it describes. Squall was originally a nautical word, used primarily by sailors to talk about weather at sea.

Definitions of squall

1. noun

   a loud and harsh cry
   type of:

   call, cry, outcry, shout, vociferation, yell

   a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition
2. verb

   utter a sudden loud cry
   synonyms: call, cry, holler, hollo, scream, shout, shout out, yell

   call

   utter in a loud voice or announce

   call out, cry, cry out, exclaim, outcry, shout

   utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy

   types:

   hollo

   cry hollo

   hurrah

   shout `hurrah!'

   halloo

   shout `halloo', as when greeting someone or attracting attention

   whoop

   shout, as if with joy or enthusiasm

   pipe, pipe up, shriek, shrill

   utter a shrill cry

   howl, roar, ululate, wail, yaup, yawl

   emit long loud cries

   screak, screech, skreak, skreigh, squawk

   utter a harsh abrupt scream

   caterwaul, yowl

   utter shrieks, as of cats

   waul, wawl

   make high-pitched, whiney noises

   type of:

   emit, let loose, let out, utter

   express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words)
3. verb

   make high-pitched, whiney noises
   synonyms: waul, wawl

   type of:

   howl, roar, ululate, wail, yaup, yawl

   emit long loud cries
4. noun

   sudden violent winds; often accompanied by precipitation
   types:

   line squall

   a squall advancing along a front that forms a definite line

   type of:

   air current, current, current of air, wind

   air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
5. verb

   blow in a squall
   “When it squalls, a prudent sailor reefs his sails”

   type of:

   blow

   be blowing or storming