squonk

English

WOTD – 3 October 2025

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /skwɒŋk/
• (US) IPA^(key): /skwɑŋk/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

• Audio (General American):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɒŋk

Etymology 1

Onomatopoeic; compare squawk, honk.

Verb

squonk (third-person singular simple present squonks, present participle squonking, simple past and past participle squonked)

1. (intransitive) To produce a raucous noise like a squawk or honk.

Noun

squonk (plural squonks)

1. A raucous noise like a squawk or honk.

Etymology 2

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

squonk (plural squonks)

1. (mythology) A mythical creature, said to inhabit Pennsylvanian forests, where it hides from view for being ashamed of its own appearance, and to dissolve into a pool of tears if captured.
   • 1974, Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, “Any Major Dude Will Tell You”, performed by Steely Dan:

     Have you ever seen a squonk's tears? Well, look at mine / The people on the street have all seen better times

Further reading

• squonk on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

Anagrams

• quonks