# squawk

> English word · Noun · IPA /skwɔːk/ · frequency rank #58,381

## Definitions
1. A shrill noise, especially made by a voice or bird. If made by a bird, it typically signals discomfort or anger; a yell, scream, or call.
2. A four-digit transponder code used by aircraft for identification or transmission of emergency signals.
3. A complaint or objection.
4. An issue or complaint related to aircraft maintenance.
5. The American night heron.
6. A warning message indicating a possible error.

## Etymology
First attested in 1821. Unknown, but probably of imitative origin (compare dialectal Italian squacco (“small-crested heron”) and English quack).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/squawk