squall
/skwɔːl
/noun
1A sudden violent gust of wind or localized storm, especially one bringing rain, snow, or sleet: low clouds and squalls of driving rain...
- Our weather is very mixed today with odd glimpses of sun striking through racing clouds which keep delivering squalls of rain, sleet and hail.
- But those same winds can bring squalls and ferocious storms at any time of year, and more especially in autumn, winter and early spring.
- The cyclone announced itself in Mackay late on the 20th with rapidly strengthening winds and heavy rain squalls.
Synonyms
gust, storm, blast, flurry, shower, gale, blow, rush, puff, scud;
windstorm, thunderstorm
2A loud cry: he emitted a short mournful squall...
- What with all the screams and squalls and hectoring vocals still ringing in my ears, I can hardly think, breathe, or see straight, much less string a coherent sentence together.
verb [no object]
(Of a baby or small child) cry noisily and continuously: Sarah was squalling in her crib...
- Rose entered the house without making a sound, and walked over to her little brother who was squalling loudly.
- The infant was lying on a table to the side, squalling.
- Sam awoke to the sound of ocean waves crashing against the earth and seagulls squalling over head.
Origin
Mid 17th century: probably an alteration of squeal, influenced by bawl.