squawk

squawk — verb

IPA/skwɔːk/
KK[skwˈɔk]IPA/skwɔːk/
  • squawkpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • squawkshe / she / it
  • squawkedpast simple
  • squawking-ing form

1. When a bird squawks, it makes a loud, sharp, and unpleasant cry.

1.verbintransitiveB1
Definition

When a bird squawks, it makes a loud, sharp, and unpleasant cry.

Example

The parrot squawked loudly when João walked into the room.

squawk + adverb (loudly)

A flock of seagulls squawked over the fishing boats at dawn.

Common collocations
  • squawk loudly
  • squawk angrily
  • squawk at someone
Synonyms
  • screech

    suggests an even higher and more piercing sound than squawk

  • caw

    used specifically for crows and ravens, not general bird sounds

  • shriek

    can apply to birds or people; a sudden high-pitched cry

Grammar Patterns

squawk (at/with something)

2. to speak or cry out in a loud, rough voice that sounds unpleasant, usually becau

2.verbtransitive / intransitiveB2
Definition

to speak or cry out in a loud, rough voice that sounds unpleasant, usually because you feel angry or excited.

Example

"Get out of my way!" Henrik squawked at the slow-moving tourists.

squawk + direct speech + at someone

The children squawked with delight when the clown appeared.

Common collocations
  • squawk at someone
  • squawk with delight
  • squawk with anger
Synonyms
  • yell

    more common than squawk and less harsh in tone

  • shriek

    implies a higher pitch than squawk

  • screech

    sounds more piercing and uncontrolled

Grammar Patterns

squawk (at someone)

squawk + speech

3. to complain in a loud and angry way about something you think is unfair or wrong

3.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to complain in a loud and angry way about something you think is unfair or wrong.

Example

The passengers squawked to the airline about the seven-hour delay.

squawk to [person/institution] about [issue]

Local residents squawked when the city council raised parking fees again.

Common collocations
  • squawk about something
  • squawk to someone
  • squawk over a decision
Synonyms
  • complain

    neutral and formal; squawk is more vivid and informal

  • grumble

    quieter and less forceful than squawk

  • protest

    more formal and often implies organised objection

Grammar Patterns

squawk (to someone) about something

Usage Note

This sense is informal and suggests the complaint is loud and possibly exaggerated — stronger than 'grumble' but less formal than 'protest'.

Common Mistakes

She squawked to the manager about the poor service.
She complained to the manager about the poor service.
Use 'complain' in formal or written contexts; 'squawk' is too informal.

squawk — noun

IPA/skwɔːk/
KK[skwˈɔk]IPA/skwɑːk/

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/3

While all these words refer to expressing dissatisfaction, 'squawk' is the most informal and vivid. 'Complain' is the neutral, everyday word — suitable for any register. 'Grumble' suggests a quiet, ongoing dissatisfaction that someone mutters under their breath rather than declaring loudly. 'Protest' is more formal and frequently implies organised or public objection to a policy or decision. 'Whine' carries a negative judgement, implying childish or irritating complaints about minor issues. A student who squawks about a low grade sounds louder and more emotional than one who grumbles about it; a citizen who protests a new law is taking formal action, not just squawking.

complain ↗grumble ↗protest ↗whine ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • let out a squawk
  • cause a squawk
  • a squawk of surprise

Prepositions

Etymology

Imitative (English)

The word 'squawk' was first recorded in the 1840s and probably comes from imitating the harsh, loud sound that some birds make. It is related to similar sound-words like 'squeak' and 'screech'. The noun form appeared soon after the verb.

First known use

1821

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Noun