squab: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Literary; Specialized (culinary, furniture).
Quick answer
What does “squab” mean?
A very young, unfledged pigeon.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very young, unfledged pigeon.
1. A short, plump person; 2. A soft, thick cushion, especially one on a sofa or chair; 3. A young, inexperienced person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties share the core meanings. The 'cushion' sense is more common in furniture/design contexts universally.
Connotations
When referring to a person, it can be mildly derogatory, implying softness or inexperience. Culinary use ('squab' as meat) is equally known but not common in everyday language.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in casual speech in both regions. More likely encountered in historical texts, specialized cookbooks, or upholstery descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “squab” in a Sentence
[Adj.] squabsquab of [Noun.]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “squab” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was accused of squabbing the cushions before the guests arrived.
American English
- She squabbed the loose pillow back into the sofa frame.
adjective
British English
- The squab pigeon was too young to leave the nest.
American English
- They served a squab pie at the historical reenactment dinner.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; possibly in niche contexts like luxury food supply ('squab farm') or high-end furniture manufacturing.
Academic
Found in ornithology, historical texts, and culinary history research.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in culinary arts (specific poultry), furniture design/upholstery, and aviculture.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “squab”
- Using 'squab' to mean any pigeon.
- Pronouncing it as /skwæb/.
- Using it as a common synonym for 'cushion' in all contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. You will most likely encounter it in specialized contexts like cooking, furniture, or older literature.
Yes, but it is dated and often mildly insulting, meaning a short, plump, or inexperienced person.
A squab is specifically a very young, unfledged pigeon, not yet able to fly. A regular pigeon is an adult bird.
It is rarely used as a verb, and such usage is non-standard or jargonistic, meaning to pack or cushion something thickly.
A very young, unfledged pigeon.
Squab is usually formal/literary; specialized (culinary, furniture). in register.
Squab: in British English it is pronounced /skwɒb/, and in American English it is pronounced /skwɑːb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common use.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SQUAB = Soft, QUick, And Baby-like. Think of a soft, baby pigeon.
Conceptual Metaphor
YOUTH IS SOFTNESS / INEXPERIENCE IS BEING UNFLEDGED.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'squab' LEAST likely to be used correctly?