# squirming

/ˈskwɝmɪŋ/ (US) · /skwˈɜːmɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/squirming
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

to twist and turn your body because you feel uncomfortable, nervous, or embarrassed.

For teachers: to twist or wriggle the body from side to side, typically from discomfort, embarrassment, or restlessness. Often implies involuntary movement under physical or emotional pressure.

## Examples

- The little boy is squirming in his chair.
- She kept squirming during the job interview because the questions made her nervous.
- The puppy kept squirming with excitement as the children tried to hold it still for a photograph in the garden.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive and takes no direct object.

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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.