Pronunciation: [skwˈiːlɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "squealing" is spelled with the letter combination "ea", which can be pronounced in different ways. In this case, it is pronounced as /kwēlɪŋ/ (kw-EE-ling), with the "e" making the long "e" sound and the "a" making the "kw" sound. The final letter "g" is pronounced like a "g" sound at the end of a word. "Squealing" refers to a high-pitched noise often made by animals or, metaphorically, by humans in distress or excitement.
Squealing is a verb derived from the word "squeal," which refers to a high-pitched and shrill sound produced by humans or animals. It is commonly associated with distress, fear, excitement, or pain and is typically characterized by a sudden, sharp, and piercing tone.
In the context of humans, squealing refers to the act of emitting such high-pitched sounds by using the vocal cords, often involuntarily or in response to intense emotions or physical sensations. It can be expressed by children, especially when they are surprised, scared, delighted, or engaged in playful activities. Squealing in humans may also be a means of vocalizing pain or discomfort.
When applied to animals, squealing can refer to the vocalizations made by various species, such as pigs, mice, or birds. These sounds may serve different purposes depending on the species, such as communicating with others, expressing distress or fear, attempting to attract mates, or warning of potential danger.
Squealing can also be used metaphorically to describe other high-pitched or shrill sounds, such as the screeching of car brakes, the whistling of wind through a small opening, or the sound of a musical instrument like a violin string being played forcefully. In these instances, squealing refers to any high-frequency sounds that are sharp, intense, and often unpleasant to the ear.
Uttering sharp shrill sounds.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "squealing" is derived from the verb "squeal". The term "squeal" can be traced back to the Middle English word "skvalen" or "quelen", which meant to cry out or shriek. This Middle English word is thought to have originated from the Old English word "scvalan" or "scwelan", meaning to sound or cry loudly. Over time, through phonetic changes and linguistic evolution, "scvalan" or "scwelan" transformed into "skvalen" and eventually into "squeal". The word "squealing" is simply the present participle form of "squeal", denoting the act or state of emitting a high-pitched cry or sound.
