squawk

Everyday

1. To squawk is to make a loud, harsh cry like a parrot or a scared chicken. tree →
2. A squawk is that loud, harsh cry. tree →
3. (informal) To squawk is to complain loudly. tree →

In the lessons

Nature: parrots, cockatoos (very loud in Australia), seagulls and hens squawk. Stories: squawk is an onomatopoeia that brings birds to life; a character who squawks is upset or complaining. Aviation: a «squawk code» is a number a pilot sets so air traffic control can identify the plane.

Examples

• The parrot squawked «Hello!» tree →
• A cockatoo squawked from the gum tree. tree →
• The hens squawked when the fox came near. tree →
• With a squawk, the seagull grabbed my chip. tree →
• My sister squawked when I took her chair. tree →
• The radio gave a squawk and went quiet. tree →
• Stop squawking about bedtime! tree →

Note

Spelling: squawk has «aw»; do not write «squalk». Similar words: squeal (high), screech (high and harsh), cluck (hen's normal sound).