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squall

squall

20 7.0
A sudden strong wind often with rain or snow
  • noun
  • /skwɔl/
translation icon : chubasco
  • The small boat had to turn back when a sudden squall hit, tossing it on the waves.
  • a frontal squall
  • squall line

Examples

  • Heavy snow squalls.

  • We passed through a series of rain squalls this morning, but the horizon ahead is clear.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Um, what time did the squall hit out there last night?

  • We must have lost him in that last squall.

  • Depending on what was going to occur, we might get a squall or two.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Well, there's a squall line going through here.

  • I stood on the porch for a minute and watched the squall line hiss its way across the lake.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • Finally, on the first day of October, a chilly squall whipped across the lake.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • A moment later, a squall of icy rain swept over the domes.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • And then, abruptly, the squall passes and the bird flies on through the drizzle to the southern shore.

    Fiction book (1998)

Synonyms

gust
vssquall
58 2.6

A sudden strong burst of wind

is stronger and often includes rain snow or sleet
flurry
vssquall
53 3.9

A sudden short burst of activity, wind, or snow

is a sudden violent wind event often with rain snow or sleet
line squall
vssquall
  • Specialized
8.8

A long line of sudden, strong storms that moves along a weather front

is a sudden violent wind event not limited to a frontal line

Antonyms

52 1.0

A quiet, peaceful feeling that helps you stay steady

38 3.5

A time of complete quiet and no movement that feels calm

Compounds

squall line
  • Specialized
1 7.9

A narrow line of strong storms that brings heavy rain and strong winds

line squall
  • Specialized
8.8

A long line of sudden, strong storms that moves along a weather front

How Strong

hurricane
301 2.2
storm
1.0
gale
24 5.8
squall
20 7.0
gust
58 2.6
breeze
201 1.0

Surface Forms

squall singular
squalls plural

Etymology

The word squall comes from an old sound word that copies a sudden, harsh noise, like a short 'shout', and that's why a squall is a sudden, violent gust or brief storm that seems to burst over you.