squill

noun

ˈskwil How to pronounce squill (audio)
1
a
: a Mediterranean bulbous herb (Drimia maritima synonym Urginea maritima) of the asparagus family

called also sea onion

compare red squill sense 1
b(1)
: the dried sliced bulb scales of a squill used especially formerly as an expectorant, cardiac stimulant, and diuretic
(2)
: red squill sense 2
2
: scilla

Examples of squill in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Striped squill is a relatively short plant that grows 6-8 inches in height. — Nicole Bradley, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2022 Peruvian squill - Scilla peruviana commonly called Portuguese squill, is a spring-blooming bulb with beautiful purple-blue flowers. — Janet Carson, Arkansas Online, 18 Apr. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English squylle, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French squille, esquille, borrowed from Latin scilla, squilla, borrowed from Greek skílla, probably of pre-Greek substratal origin

Note: The extant Latin textual sources apply the spellings scilla and squilla somewhat indiscriminately to both the plant, properly scilla, and to a crustacean, properly squilla (see squilla).

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of squill was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing squill

Rhymes for squill

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Browse Nearby Words

squilgee
squill
squilla
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Cite this Entry

“Squill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squill. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

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Medical Definition

squill

noun
ˈskwil How to pronounce squill (audio)
1
a
: a Mediterranean bulbous herb of the genus Urginea (U. maritima) of the lily family

called also sea onion

b
: any of several other plants of the genus Urginea
c
: the bulbs of a squill (especially U. maritima)
2
a
: the dried sliced bulb of the white-bulbed form of the squill (Urginea maritima) of the Mediterranean region or the dried sliced bulb of a related Asian plant (U. indica) that contains one or more physically active cardiac glycosides and was formerly used as an expectorant, cardiac stimulant, and diuretic see urginea sense 2a compare white squill
b
: red squill sense 2

More from Merriam-Webster on squill

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about squill

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