squib [ skwib ]
noun
1. a short and witty or sarcastic saying or writing.
2. Journalism. a short news story, often used as a filler.
3. a small firework, consisting of a tube or ball filled with powder, that burns with a hissing noise terminated usually by a slight explosion.
4. a firecracker broken in the middle so that it burns with a hissing noise but does not explode.
5. Australian. a coward.
6. an electric, pyrotechnic device for firing the igniter of a rocket engine, especially a solid-propellant engine.
7. Obsolete. a mean or paltry fellow.
verb (used without object), squibbed, squib·bing.
8. to write squibs.
9. to shoot a squib.
10. to explode with a small, sharp sound.
11. to move swiftly and irregularly.
12. Australian.
a. to be afraid.
b. to flee; escape.
verb (used with object), squibbed, squib·bing.
13. to assail in squibs or lampoons.
14. to toss, shoot, or utilize as a squib.
OTHER WORDS FROM SQUIB
squibbish, adjective
WORDS RELATED TO SQUIB
advice, comment, story, memorandum, directive, picture, notification, memo, instruction, criticism, order, note, warning, manifesto, proclamation, advertisement, poster, news, review, witticism
See more synonyms on Thesaurus.com
Origin: First recorded in 1515–25; origin uncertain
EXAMPLE SENTENCES FROM THE WEB FOR SQUIB
The squib had long burnt out by the time we got there; but the sight that met our astonished gaze was magnificent.
A VELDT OFFICIAL|BERTRAM MITFORD
Considering himself insulted by a squib in the Sangamo Journal, Douglas undertook to cane the editor.
STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS|ALLEN JOHNSON
The squib scandalized some grave people, who wrote severe admonitions to the editor.
A BUDGET OF PARADOXES, VOLUME I (OF II)|AUGUSTUS DE MORGAN
"Let me make a squib too, Francie," he begged, squatting down on the mattress beside his host.
SOLDIER RIGDALE|BEULAH MARIE DIX
Now YOU come up with a sentence (or fic? or graphic?) that best illustrates the word.