squeaker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “squeaker” mean?
A small device, toy, or living thing that produces a high-pitched squeaking sound.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small device, toy, or living thing that produces a high-pitched squeaking sound.
1) A contest, election, or game won by a very narrow margin. 2) A young bird, rodent, or other animal that makes squeaking cries.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both meanings are used in both varieties. The sporting/political sense ('a close-run thing') is slightly more prevalent in American political commentary.
Connotations
Informal, often with a tone of excitement or relief in the sporting sense. The animal sense can imply youth or helplessness.
Frequency
Low-frequency word overall, but understood in context. More likely in spoken or journalistic registers than formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “squeaker” in a Sentence
[determiner] + squeaker (e.g., a real squeaker)be + a + squeaker (e.g., The match was a squeaker.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “squeaker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The injured bat began to squeaker piteously.
- The old hinge will squeaker if you don't oil it.
American English
- The puppy toy continued to squeaker even after being chewed.
- The politician managed to squeaker out a win in the primary.
adverb
British English
- (Extremely rare; not standard.)
American English
- (Extremely rare; not standard.)
adjective
British English
- We were treated to a squeaker finish in the cup final.
- The squeaker hinge needed immediate attention.
American English
- It was a squeaker election that went to a recount.
- The squeaker toy kept the baby entertained for hours.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could metaphorically describe a narrowly approved deal or vote.
Academic
Very rare, except in specific biological contexts describing animal vocalisations.
Everyday
Most common: referring to a child's toy or a very close sporting event.
Technical
In ornithology/herpetology: informal term for a young bird or snake.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “squeaker”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “squeaker”
- Using 'squeaker' to mean a person who complains (that's 'squealer' or 'whiner').
- Overusing the sporting sense in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily informal or colloquial, especially in its metaphorical sense describing a close contest.
Typically, no. A person who informs on others is a 'squealer'. 'Squeaker' mainly refers to things or young animals that make a squeak.
Both imply a narrow margin. A 'close shave' is usually a narrow escape from danger or trouble. A 'squeaker' is specifically a narrow victory or win in a competition or vote.
Its use as a verb is non-standard and rare. It is formed by conversion (zero-derivation) from the noun, meaning 'to produce a squeak' or, metaphorically, 'to win narrowly' (e.g., 'squeaker out a victory').
A small device, toy, or living thing that produces a high-pitched squeaking sound.
Squeaker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskwiːkə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskwikər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Win by a squeaker”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny MOUSE (a squeaker) winning a race by a single whisker – a double meaning for the word.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOSE COMPETITION IS A TIGHT SQUEAK (from the sound of something under pressure).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'squeaker' LEAST likely be used?