Squawk/skwɔːk/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Bird Connection Used to describe specific bird noises, not all animal sounds. Listening in the garden, I could hear the distinct squawk of a crow. Pro Tip 2/3Harshness Implied Implies an unpleasant, grating sound, not a melodious chirp. The jarring squawk of the cockatoo pierced the otherwise tranquil zoo. Pro Tip 3/3Startling Effect Often used when a bird's squawk causes surprise or alarm. A sudden squawk from the treetops made me jump.