Word
squabbling
Phoneticssquab·bling
US/ˈskwɑbəɫɪŋ/
UK/skwˈɒblɪŋ/
Definition
v. to argue loudly about small, unimportant things. You use it when people fight over little things, like who gets the last cookie.
v. to quarrel noisily over trivial matters; implies petty, persistent disagreement rather than serious conflict.
Examples
“The kids are squabbling over the last cookie.”
“The neighbours kept squabbling about the shared fence until the council stepped in to help.”
“Long after the inheritance was settled, the siblings were still squabbling over old letters and photographs that held more sentimental than financial value.”
Examples
simple
“The kids are squabbling over the last cookie.”
contextual
“The neighbours kept squabbling about the shared fence until the council stepped in to help.”
complex
“Long after the inheritance was settled, the siblings were still squabbling over old letters and photographs that held more sentimental than financial value.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “squabbling” in context.
Verb
01. avoid squabbling
“To avoid squabbling, they decided to take turns choosing the film.”
verb + noun
02. squabbling continues
“If the squabbling continues, the teacher will separate the group.”
noun + verb
03. squabbling erupts
“Squabbling erupts every time they try to plan a holiday together.”
noun + verb
04. squabbling over money
“The brothers are always squabbling over money and property.”
verb + prep + noun
05. start squabbling
“The kids started squabbling as soon as we got in the car.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. bitter squabbling
“The meeting turned into bitter squabbling over the budget.”
adj + noun
07. constant squabbling
“The neighbours' constant squabbling over parking annoyed everyone.”
adj + noun
08. petty squabbling
“I'm tired of their petty squabbling about who does the dishes.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. bout of squabbling
“After a brief bout of squabbling, they agreed to split the bill.”
noun + prep + noun
10. end to squabbling
“The manager called for an end to squabbling within the team.”
noun + prep + noun
11. put an end to squabbling
“The coach put an end to squabbling by setting clear rules.”
12. squabbling over who pays
“They wasted an hour squabbling over who pays for lunch.”
Usage
The verb is intransitive; commonly followed by 'over' or 'about' to mark the cause of the dispute.
Real-World Examples
“The White Walkers are approaching the Wall, but the squabbles between the great houses go on.” “On the other hand, Sánchez would need to renew alliances with various small left-wing parties that have sunk in the polls and often squabble among themselves.” “This is a fine piece of work, at once a grand sweep through history and a domestic novel of petty squabbles.” “These squabbles are excellent practice for the conflict we all face throughout life, and the more we step in, the fewer chances children have to build these skills.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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