squall.

1. a sudden, strong burst of wind, often accompanied by rain or snow

2. A loud, harsh cry, especially from a child.

3. To emit a loud, harsh cry or complaint.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• sudden squall
• rain squall
• snow squall

On the page

A squall struck as the boat left the harbor.

They waited behind the wall until the snow squall passed.

The squall flattened the grass and rattled the shutters.

Usage notes

Primary curation section: Environment. Usually abrupt and relatively brief; distinct from an entire prolonged storm. It also has a separate sense of a loud cry. Plural: squalls. Related adjective: squally.