squatted; squatting
1
: to crouch close to the ground as if to escape observation
a hare squatting in the grass
2
a
: to assume or maintain a position in which the body is supported on the feet and the knees are bent so that the buttocks rest on or near the heels
squatted by the campfire
b
: to exercise by performing a squat (see squat entry 3 sense 3a)
3
: to be or become a squatter
squat in an abandoned building
squatter; squattest
1
: sitting with the haunches close above the heels
2
a
: low to the ground
b
: marked by disproportionate shortness or thickness
squatly
adverb
squatness
noun
2
a
: a place where one squats
b
: the lair of a small animal
the squat of a hare
3
a
: an exercise in which a standing person lowers to a position in which the torso is erect and the knees are deeply bent and then rises to an upright position
Note: A squat can be done while holding weights, with a barbell on the upper back, or without weights.
b
weight lifting
: a lift involving a squat done while holding a barbell on the shoulders
also
: a competitive event involving this lift
4
chiefly British
: an empty house or building that is occupied by squatters
5
slang
: diddly-squat
Examples of squat in a Sentence
Verb
He squatted behind the bush to avoid being seen.
A family has been squatting in that house for months.
Adjective
a short, squat woman
Noun
He didn't do squat all day.
She lives in a squat.
Recent Examples on the Web
Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 22 June 2025
The sort of creative thinking and backroom drafting that produced this squatting bill represents the best of the Maryland General Assembly.
—Chris West, Baltimore Sun, 12 June 2025
Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
Some even find that using the squat position, or using a squatty potty, can help reduce straining and promote defecation, said Dr. Xue.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 June 2025
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 June 2025
If jumping hurts your knees, focus on other kinds of conditioning like shallow squats, for example.
—Jessica Dulong, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for squat
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
Asencio was squatting, dejected, after realising his mistake for the red card, getting the wrong side of Rondon and bringing him down clumsily.
—Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 22 June 2025
The sort of creative thinking and backroom drafting that produced this squatting bill represents the best of the Maryland General Assembly.
—Chris West, Baltimore Sun, 12 June 2025
Adjective
What are some things to consider when choosing a squat rack?
—Sherry Kuehl, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
Some even find that using the squat position, or using a squatty potty, can help reduce straining and promote defecation, said Dr. Xue.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 June 2025
Noun
These can range from bodyweight exercises like squats to traditional lifts like curls and rows.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 June 2025
If jumping hurts your knees, focus on other kinds of conditioning like shallow squats, for example.
—Jessica Dulong, CNN Money, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for squat
Cite this Entry
“Squat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squat. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
squat
1 of 3 verb
squatted; squatting
1
: to sit or cause (oneself) to sit on one's heels
2
: to occupy land as a squatter
3
: to crouch close to the ground
a hare squatting in the grass
squat
2 of 3 noun1
: the act of squatting
2
: a squatting posture
squat
3 of 3 adjective
squatter; squattest
1
: being in a squatting posture
2
: low to the ground
3
: being short and thick
squatly
adverb
squatness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share