squash

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "squash" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb, meaning "to compress or crush something into a small space," or as a noun, referring to a type of vegetable, sport, or game. Example sentence: We used a rolling pin to squash the dough into a thin sheet.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lucy Flannery Havant Stuart Heritage's Is It Worth It? on squash was informative, but he might have suggested that would-be players would benefit from a few sessions with a local, friendly, licensed squash coach.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In his famously 'enigmatic' interviews (ie: he's an infuriating,tight- lipped sod until the tape recorder is turned off), he still manages to get in the odd dig at RSAMD specifically, and drama schools generally ('I had rawness and energy, and that's the thing drama schools try to squash out of you. They don't like ragged edges').

The Guardian - Film

He stood only 5ft 5in, but he was an avid squash player and kept his body in peak physical condition.

The Guardian - Books

What happened in Basra and the Sadr City district of Baghdad recently had less to do with Maliki's claim to disarm "rogue" militias than his strategic objective to squash the Sadrist movement as a political force during the run-up to the provincial and local elections on 1 October.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fold lightly together then mix in the blackberries, taking care not to squash the fruit as you go. 3 For the crumble topping, combine the flour, oats and sugar in a bowl then add the butter in small pieces.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was 1980, and my father had died suddenly of a heart attack eight months earlier, outside a sports centre after a game of squash, aged 34.

The Guardian - Opinion

For those who sometimes crave a savoury breakfast, this is great served over plain porridge, yoghurt or avocado and roasted squash or sweet potatoes, or simply with plain yoghurt.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Terry Beckett (local, friendly, licensed squash coach) Falmouth, Cornwall I see Zoe Williams isn't on the Betfair odds to replace Clarkson as Top Gear presenter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Blowsy squash blossoms are crammed into empanadas, cushiony and satisfying.

The Guardian - Travel

On a good day I'm home by 6.30pm and I usually go out and play squash, or go mountain biking to relax.

The Guardian

In tennis, with notable exceptions such as Boris Becker or Patrick Rafter, big players find it harder to bend down for the volley; in the confined quarters of a squash court, tall players may trip over their own feet; on the badminton court it is agility and speed that count, hence the supremacy of the Chinese and Indonesians.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "squash" as a noun, ensure clarity regarding whether you're referring to the sport, the drink, or the vegetable. Context is key to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "squash" without sufficient context. It is important to give your reader clues whether you are referring to a sport, a drink, a vegetable or a space where people are pressed close together.

Linguistic Context

The word "squash" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a vegetable, a sport, or a concentrated drink. As a verb, it means to compress, crush, or suppress. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Lifestyle

12%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Travel

3%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "squash" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it sees frequent use across diverse contexts from sports and cuisine to politics and physics. As a noun, it can refer to a vegetable, a fruit-based drink concentrate, or a sport. As a verb, it signifies compressing, crushing, or suppressing. Due to its variety of meanings, context is essential to ensure clarity. Common contexts include news, lifestyle, and formal business settings. While grammatically correct, being aware of the intended meaning is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

squash rackets

Refers specifically to the sport using rackets and a ball.

vegetable marrow

Highlights the vegetable aspect and its botanical classification.

compress

Focuses on reducing the size or volume of something.

crush

Emphasizes the act of applying force to damage or deform.

fruit drink concentrate

Specifies the concentrated nature of the fruit-based beverage.

press

Suggests applying consistent force or weight.

squeeze

Implies forcing something into a confined space.

squelch

Highlights the suppression or silencing of something.

mash

Describes the process of reducing something to a soft, pulpy state.

crowd

Indicates a dense gathering of people in a limited space.

FAQs

How can I use "squash" in a sentence?

You can use "squash" as a verb, like in "I need to "squash this box" to fit it in the recycling bin", or as a noun, such as "Would you like some "butternut squash soup" for dinner?".

What are some synonyms for "squash" as a verb?

Synonyms for "squash" as a verb include "compress", "crush", or "squeeze", depending on the context.

Is "squash" a formal or informal word?

"Squash" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but its formality often depends on the specific meaning. For example, using "squash" to describe suppressing dissent might appear in formal news reporting, while referring to the vegetable is common in everyday conversation.

What is the difference between "squash" and "squish"?

"Squash" generally implies more force and compression than "squish". "Squish" often suggests a softer, less forceful action, while "squash" can imply damage or deformation.