1 squirm | Definition of squirm

squirm

verb
\ ˈskwərm How to pronounce squirm (audio) \
squirmed; squirming; squirms

Definition of squirm

intransitive verb

: to twist about like a worm : fidget

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Other Words from squirm

squirm noun
squirmy \ ˈskwər-​mē How to pronounce squirmy (audio) \ adjective

Examples of squirm in a Sentence

The baby squirmed a lot when I tried to hold him. She squirmed under her father's angry stare.
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Recent Examples on the Web

To gauge the bot's success, the researchers wanted to see whether the fingers could withstand the forces of the squirming animals. — Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, "Cool New Robot Can Grab Squishy Fish Without Hurting Them," 28 Aug. 2019 The ball is popped into the middle of the circle and the players push against each other and gain ground up the pitch until the ball squirms out of the scrum. — SI.com, "5 Weird and Wonderful Laws From Other Sports That Should Be Implemented in Football," 31 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'squirm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of squirm

circa 1691, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for squirm

origin unknown

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More Definitions for squirm

squirm

verb

English Language Learners Definition of squirm

: to make a lot of twisting movements because you are nervous, uncomfortable, bored, etc.

squirm

verb
\ ˈskwərm How to pronounce squirm (audio) \
squirmed; squirming

Kids Definition of squirm

: to twist about because of nervousness or embarrassment or in an effort to move or escape … it was no use trying to squirm loose …— Carl Hiaasen, Hoot

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More from Merriam-Webster on squirm

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for squirm

Spanish Central: Translation of squirm

Nglish: Translation of squirm for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of squirm for Arabic Speakers

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