Is 'squillion' a real number?

No, it is an informal, humorous word for an indefinitely large number with no fixed value.

Can I use 'squillion' in formal writing?

No, it is strictly informal and playful. Use 'countless', 'innumerable', or a specific large number instead.

What's the difference between 'squillion', 'zillion', and 'gazillion'?

They are functionally synonymous, all being playful, indefinite large numbers. 'Gazillion' might be perceived as slightly larger or more emphatic than 'zillion', with 'squillion' being a less common variant.

How do I pronounce 'squillion'?

It is pronounced SKWIL-ee-uhn, with the stress on the first syllable.

squillion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low

UK/ˈskwɪl.i.ən/US/ˈskwɪl.i.ən/

Informal, playful

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “squillion” mean?

A humorous, indefinite extremely large number.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A humorous, indefinite extremely large number.

Used informally to express an imprecise but very large quantity, often with hyperbolic or playful emphasis.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Both varieties use the term similarly. It is not exclusive to either.

Connotations

Playful, exaggerated. There is little to no difference in connotation between varieties.

Frequency

Used in both varieties with comparable, low frequency.

Grammar

How to Use “squillion” in a Sentence

a squillion + [noun]squillions of + [noun]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

a squillion timessquillion pounds/dollarssquillion of them

medium

about a squillionnearly a squillionmust have been a squillion

weak

squillion reasonssquillion peoplecost a squillion

Examples

Examples of “squillion” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

That's a squillion-pound idea.
He made squillion-dollar mistakes.

American English

That's a squillion-dollar idea.
He made squillion-dollar mistakes.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare, used informally for hyperbolic effect, e.g., 'Marketing this will cost a squillion.'

Academic

Not used; considered inappropriate for scholarly precision.

Everyday

Used in casual conversation for humorous exaggeration, e.g., 'I've told you a squillion times.'

Technical

Never used in technical contexts.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “squillion”

Strong

myriadinnumerablecountless

Neutral

zillion gazillionumpteen

Weak

loads tons oodles

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “squillion”

few handful couple scant

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “squillion”

Using it in formal writing.
Attempting to assign it a fixed numerical value.
Using without an article, e.g., 'It cost squillion pounds' (incorrect) vs. 'It cost a squillion pounds' (correct).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is an informal, humorous word for an indefinitely large number with no fixed value.
: No, it is strictly informal and playful. Use 'countless', 'innumerable', or a specific large number instead.
: They are functionally synonymous, all being playful, indefinite large numbers. 'Gazillion' might be perceived as slightly larger or more emphatic than 'zillion', with 'squillion' being a less common variant.
: It is pronounced SKWIL-ee-uhn, with the stress on the first syllable.
: A humorous, indefinite extremely large number.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Not worth a squillion”
“A squillion to one chance”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a SQUID with a million legs - a SQUID-ILLION is a silly, huge number.

Conceptual Metaphor

LARGE QUANTITY IS AN EXAGGERATED, INVENTED NUMBER.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

I've told you times to clean your room!

Multiple Choice

In which context would 'squillion' be LEAST appropriate?