# screeching

/ˈskɹitʃɪŋ/ (US) · /skɹˈiːtʃɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/screeching
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

making a very high, loud, and unpleasant sound. You use this to describe things like car tires on a road or a person shouting in a high voice.

For teachers: characterised by a high-pitched, piercing, and often harsh sound. Frequently used as a participial adjective to describe mechanical friction or vocal distress.

## Examples

- The car came to a screeching halt.
- The screeching sound of the subway train echoing through the tunnel made everyone cover their ears.
- The silence of the rural night was suddenly shattered by the screeching tires of a getaway vehicle racing toward the county line.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a participial adjective before a noun; frequently collocates with 'halt', 'tires', or 'voice'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.