Word
squint
US/ˈskwɪnt/
UK/skwˈɪnt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small opening or hole in a wall, especially one that is small enough to see through but not to walk through. It is often used to let light into a building or to see what is happening outside.
n. a small opening in a wall, typically designed to admit light or provide a view. Often used in architectural contexts to describe narrow apertures in thick masonry.
Examples
“The old castle has a small squint in the thick stone wall.”
“Light streamed through the narrow squint, illuminating the dark corners of the medieval chapel without allowing rain to enter.”
“Architects often incorporate a squint into the design of a fortress to allow defenders to observe the surrounding landscape while remaining protected from direct fire.”
Examples
simple
“The old castle has a small squint in the thick stone wall.”
contextual
“Light streamed through the narrow squint, illuminating the dark corners of the medieval chapel without allowing rain to enter.”
complex
“Architects often incorporate a squint into the design of a fortress to allow defenders to observe the surrounding landscape while remaining protected from direct fire.”
Real-World Examples
“But then she paused and squinted at a corner of my chart.” “So I squinted a bit and tried to imagine my son in that room, which is when it hit me: he’s actually serious about this.” Etymology
Derived from asquint (“obliquely, with a sidelong glance”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
Domain
- 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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