# squabble

/ˈskwɑbəɫ/ (US) · /skwˈɒbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/squabble
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a small noisy argument about something not very important. You use it when people fight over little things, like food or seats.

For teachers: a noisy quarrel over a trivial matter, typically brief and lacking serious consequence. Often implies petty or childish disagreement.

## Examples

- The kids have a squabble over toys.
- The neighbours had a brief squabble about the shared fence before agreeing to split the repair cost.
- What began as a minor squabble over seating arrangements gradually revealed deeper tensions within the committee about leadership and priorities.

## Synonyms

spat, TIFF, quarrel, row, argument, fight, disagreement

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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.