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
Ilana Kaplan, Peoplemag, 15 July 2024
Florida also has a new law allowing police to evict squatters immediately who don't have a valid lease; several other states have passed or proposed tougher measures on squatting.
—Carter Evans, CBS News, 25 June 2024
Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 29 July 2024
In a lightning strike zone, get at least 7 feet away from tall objects, get to the lowest point on the ground and kneel or squat to minimize your contact points with the ground.
—Annie Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 22 July 2024
Celia Ford, Vox, 10 Aug. 2024
At 16-years-old, Allen performed a 610-pound squat.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 30 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for squat 
Verb
In the next image, the pair are cozied up on a couch, while the following pic features the podcaster squatting in the background in a white dress while the camera is held close to Bryan's face.
—Ilana Kaplan, Peoplemag, 15 July 2024
Florida also has a new law allowing police to evict squatters immediately who don't have a valid lease; several other states have passed or proposed tougher measures on squatting.
—Carter Evans, CBS News, 25 June 2024
Adjective
Once your left foot lands as well, drop back into the heels, returning to the deep squat position.
—Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 29 July 2024
In a lightning strike zone, get at least 7 feet away from tall objects, get to the lowest point on the ground and kneel or squat to minimize your contact points with the ground.
—Annie Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 22 July 2024
Noun
Even the most basic pole moves are no joke: Getting off the ground at all is kind of like doing a pull up, a push up, a crunch, and an air squat all at once.
—Celia Ford, Vox, 10 Aug. 2024
At 16-years-old, Allen performed a 610-pound squat.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 30 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for squat
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'squat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near squat
Cite this Entry
“Squat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squat. Accessed 19 Aug. 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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