squeeze-box: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

low
UK/ˈskwiːz bɒks/US/ˈskwiːz bɑːks/

informal, humorous

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “squeeze-box” mean?

A colloquial and informal term for an accordion or concertina.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A colloquial and informal term for an accordion or concertina.

In computing, a visual UI element that can be expanded and collapsed, like an accordion menu.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Used similarly in both varieties, with no major lexical differences.

Connotations

Conveys a down-to-earth, traditional, or possibly rustic feel.

Frequency

Equally low frequency in both varieties, but recognised.

Grammar

How to Use “squeeze-box” in a Sentence

play [the] ~hear [the] ~he/she on the ~

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
old squeeze-boxplay the squeeze-box
medium
dusty squeeze-boxfolk musicpiano accordion
weak
learnsound oftune on the

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually unused.

Academic

Virtually unused in formal writing; may appear in ethnomusicology or cultural studies.

Everyday

Used in informal conversation about music or nostalgia.

Technical

In UI/UX design, refers to an 'accordion' component.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “squeeze-box”

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “squeeze-box”

  • Using it in formal contexts.
  • Thinking it refers to any compact box.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is a colloquial, informal name for an accordion or a similar instrument like a concertina.

No, it is too informal. Use 'accordion' or 'concertina' instead.

Because the player squeezes and expands the bellows (the central part) to push air through the reeds and create sound.

Indirectly. In UI design, 'accordion' refers to a component that expands and collapses like the bellows of the instrument. The slang term 'squeeze-box' is not standard in tech.

A colloquial and informal term for an accordion or concertina.

Squeeze-box: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskwiːz bɒks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskwiːz bɑːks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a box you SQUEEZE to make music - that's a squeeze-box!

Conceptual Metaphor

INSTRUMENT IS A CONTAINER (for sound/pressure)

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The traditional music was played on an old .
Multiple Choice

What is a 'squeeze-box'?

Practise

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Five interactive tools to remember words, train your ear, and build vocabulary in real context — drawn from this dictionary.

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