squall

Etymology

The verb is from Old Norse skvala (“to cry out”). The noun is probably from the verb.

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɔːl

Noun

squall (plural squalls)

1. (meteorology) A squall line, multicell line, or part of a squall line.
2. (often nautical) A sudden storm, as found in a squall line.

Verb

squall (third-person singular simple present squalls, present participle squalling, simple past and past participle squalled)

1. To cry or wail loudly.
   • 1883, Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island:

     Squalling was the word for it, Pew's anger rose so high at these objections; till at last, his passion completely taking the upper hand, he struck at them right and left in his blindness, and his stick sounded heavily on more than one.

   • 1916, Jack London, The Red One:

     Squalling like an infuriated cat, the shadow crashed down

   • 1934 George Orwell, Burmese Days:

     The orchestra burst into a sudden loud squalling."

   • 1998, Anne McCafferey, Masterharper of Pern:

     she wrapped the squalling, wriggling baby tightly into the fine cotton sheet