squatted; squatting
1
: to crouch close to the ground as if to escape observation
a hare squatting in the grass
2
a
: to assume or maintain a position in which the body is supported on the feet and the knees are bent so that the buttocks rest on or near the heels
squatted by the campfire
b
: to exercise by performing a squat (see squat entry 3 sense 3a)
3
: to be or become a squatter
squat in an abandoned building
squatter; squattest
1
: sitting with the haunches close above the heels
2
a
: low to the ground
b
: marked by disproportionate shortness or thickness
squatly
adverb
squatness
noun
2
a
: a place where one squats
b
: the lair of a small animal
the squat of a hare
3
a
: an exercise in which a standing person lowers to a position in which the torso is erect and the knees are deeply bent and then rises to an upright position
Note: A squat can be done while holding weights, with a barbell on the upper back, or without weights.
b
weight lifting
: a lift involving a squat done while holding a barbell on the shoulders
also
: a competitive event involving this lift
4
chiefly British
: an empty house or building that is occupied by squatters
5
slang
: diddly-squat
Synonyms
Verb
Adjective
Noun
Examples of squat in a Sentence
Verb
He squatted behind the bush to avoid being seen.
A family has been squatting in that house for months.
Adjective
a short, squat woman
Noun
He didn't do squat all day.
She lives in a squat.
Recent Examples on the Web
Wendy Wisner, Health, 1 Nov. 2024
Just as each state has its own sets of laws regarding squatting situations, each state has its own requirements that must be met in order for adverse possession to be considered.
—Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 19 Oct. 2024
Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 11 Nov. 2024
Made up of six squat brick buildings separated by grassy courtyards on Dallas Street, the Edge of Lowry is a short walk south of East Colfax Avenue.
—Joe Rubino, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024
Jakob Roze, Health, 17 Oct. 2024
Take breaks for resistance exercises: Stop at specific time or distance intervals and do some body weight resistance strengthening exercises, such as squats, jumping jacks, lunges, or push-ups.
—Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for squat 
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Verb
Consider squatting or sitting over a toilet to make removal easier—and in case of spills.
—Wendy Wisner, Health, 1 Nov. 2024
Just as each state has its own sets of laws regarding squatting situations, each state has its own requirements that must be met in order for adverse possession to be considered.
—Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 19 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Taylor works out of a squat, grayish building on a residential street near the railroad tracks.
—Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 11 Nov. 2024
Made up of six squat brick buildings separated by grassy courtyards on Dallas Street, the Edge of Lowry is a short walk south of East Colfax Avenue.
—Joe Rubino, The Denver Post, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
Here's how to do a traditional Bulgarian split squat:
Hold one dumbbell in each hand.
—Jakob Roze, Health, 17 Oct. 2024
Take breaks for resistance exercises: Stop at specific time or distance intervals and do some body weight resistance strengthening exercises, such as squats, jumping jacks, lunges, or push-ups.
—Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 29 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for squat
Dictionary Entries Near squat
Cite this Entry
“Squat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squat. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
squat
1 of 3 verb
squatted; squatting
1
: to sit or cause (oneself) to sit on one's heels
2
: to occupy land as a squatter
3
: to crouch close to the ground
a hare squatting in the grass
squat
2 of 3 noun1
: the act of squatting
2
: a squatting posture
squat
3 of 3 adjective
squatter; squattest
1
: being in a squatting posture
2
: low to the ground
3
: being short and thick
squatly
adverb
squatness
noun
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