squirt

Everyday

1. To squirt is to make liquid shoot out in a thin, fast stream from a small hole. tree →
2. A squirt is a thin stream of liquid, or a small amount of it. tree →
3. «A little squirt» is an informal, slightly rude name for a small or annoying young person. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life children squirt water pistols, ketchup or washing-up liquid. In science, squirting shows that pressure pushes liquid out of a small hole fast. Phrases: «squirt water», «a squirt of», «water squirter».

Examples

• He squirted me with his water pistol. tree →
• Add a squirt of washing-up liquid to the bowl. tree →
• The ketchup squirted all over my shirt. tree →
• An octopus squirts ink to escape. tree →
• Don't squirt water near plug sockets. tree →
• «Get lost, you little squirt!» said the big brother. tree →

Note

Past: «squirted». Spelling: s-q-u-i-r-t. «A squirt of» means a small amount. Calling someone «a squirt» is cheeky and can be rude.