# squeal

> English word · Noun · IPA /skwiːl/ · frequency rank #35,955

## Definitions
1. A high-pitched sound, such as the scream of a child or a female person, or noisy worn-down brake pads.
2. The cry of a pig.

## Etymology
Inherited from Middle English squelen, probably from Old Norse skvala (“to squeal, bawl”), from Proto-Germanic *skwel- (“to chatter, babble, scream”), perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *skel-, from *kelh₁- (“to ring, resound, cry”). Compare Old Norse skval (“a squeal”, noun), Swedish skvallra (“to babble, chatter, tell on”).

## Easily confused with
- **steal** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/squeal-vs-steal)
- **seal** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/seal-vs-squeal)
- **squad** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/squad-vs-squeal)
- **squat** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/squat-vs-squeal)
- **squaw** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/squaw-vs-squeal)
- **sequel** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/sequel-vs-squeal)
- **squeak** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/squeak-vs-squeal)
- **squall** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/squall-vs-squeal)
- **squeaky** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/squeaky-vs-squeal)

## Common misspellings (8)
`qsueal`, `sqeual`, `sqqueal`, `squael`, `squeall`, `squela`, `ssqueal`, `suqeal`

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