squeaky

IPA/ˈskwiːki/
KK[skwˈiki]IPA/ˈskwiːki/

squeaky — adjective

  • squeakypositive
  • squeakiercomparative
  • squeakiestsuperlative

1. making a thin, high sound like something rubbing or giving a small squeak

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

making a thin, high sound like something rubbing or giving a small squeak

Example

The old gate sounded squeaky when Sven pushed it open after school.

sound + squeaky for a moving object

Sora tossed the squeaky dog toy across the kitchen floor.

common collocation: squeaky toy

Common collocations
  • squeaky toy
  • squeaky chair
  • squeaky wheel
  • squeaky gate
  • squeaky voice
Synonyms
  • high-pitched

    a neutral description of sound height, without the rubbing quality

  • shrill

    suggests a sharper and more piercing sound

  • creaky

    usually describes a lower, rougher sound from old wood or metal

Antonyms
  • deep

    describes a low sound rather than a high one

  • quiet

    focuses on little or no sound being heard

Usage Note

Usually describes doors, chairs, toys, wheels, and similar objects that make a repeated high sound when they move or are pressed.

Common Mistakes

My answer was squeaky.
My voice was squeaky.
this word describes a high sound, not something that merely seems weak or doubtful.

2. winning by such a small amount that losing was very close

2.adjectiveC1
Definition

winning by such a small amount that losing was very close

Example

Chidi called it a squeaky win after the team scored last.

common collocation: squeaky win

The paper described Lauren's squeaky victory in the school election.

used before nouns like victory and win

Common collocations
  • squeaky win
  • squeaky victory
  • squeaky result
  • squeaky finish
Synonyms
  • narrow

    the most neutral word for a small winning margin

  • close

    can describe the contest itself, not only the result

  • skinny

    an informal choice, especially in American sports writing

Antonyms
  • comfortable

    describes a win with a clear and safe margin

  • convincing

    emphasises that the winner looked clearly stronger

Usage Note

Most often appears before nouns like win, victory, and result in sport or other competitions. It suggests success came by a very small margin.

Common Mistakes

We had a squeaky meeting.
We had a squeaky win.
this sense is used for a very narrow success, not for any tense situation.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

Squeaky, high-pitched, shrill, creaky, and scratchy can all describe unpleasant sounds, but they point to different qualities. Squeaky usually suggests a small, thin sound caused by rubbing, pressing, or poor lubrication, as with a toy, wheel, or chair. High-pitched is more neutral and only tells you that the sound is high. Shrill adds a stronger idea of sharpness and can sound piercing or annoying, especially with voices or alarms. Creaky is rougher and lower, often linked to old wood or metal. Scratchy often describes a rough voice or a sound with friction. Compare: "The suitcase wheel sounded squeaky" versus "The old floorboards sounded creaky."

high-pitched ↗shrillcreaky ↗scratchy

Etymology

English

Squeaky comes from the older English verb squeak plus the adjective ending -y. The base verb was first used for short, sharp cries or rubbing noises, and the adjective later described things that make that sound. The sports sense developed metaphorically for a win that gets through by only the smallest margin.