Culture & Lifestyle • Food

Squab

Squab is most commonly a culinary term for a young domestic pigeon, usually sold as food before it is fully fledged.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Squab is most commonly a culinary term for a young domestic pigeon, usually sold as food before it is fully fledged. The word also has older or secondary meanings in English, including a cushion or stuffed seat, and a short, stout person. In Canadian English, squab appears on restaurant menus and in culinary dictionaries, though it is a niche food term rather than a common everyday ingredient.

Culinary meaning

In food contexts, squab is the meat of a young domestic pigeon, typically harvested before the bird is fully fledged. It is commonly described as tender and is often served as a restaurant dish.

General English meanings

Outside cuisine, squab has several dictionary meanings, including a cushion, a stuffed seat, or a short, stout person. Older dictionaries and lexical sources also connect it with the idea of a young, unfledged bird.

Usage and terminology

Sources differ slightly on the precise age or development stage, but they consistently describe squab as a very young pigeon used for food. Some sources also treat the term as applying more broadly to young pigeons or similar fledglings.

Key facts

In culinary usage, squab refers to a young domestic pigeon raised for its meat.
Dictionary sources also define squab as a fledgling bird, especially a pigeon about four weeks old.
Some dictionaries note older non-food meanings, including a thick cushion or a sofa/couch.
The word can also mean a short, stout person in older or extended usage.
Modern food writing commonly describes squab as a delicacy served in restaurants.

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Canadian context

Squab appears on restaurant menus and in culinary dictionaries used by Canadian English readers, though it is a niche food term rather than a common everyday ingredient.

Frequently asked questions

What is squab?

Squab is most commonly the meat of a young domestic pigeon, usually sold for eating before it is fully fledged.

Is squab the same as pigeon?

Squab is a young domestic pigeon; “pigeon” is the broader term for the bird generally.

How old is a squab?

Sources commonly place it at about four weeks old, or around 30 days, though wording varies slightly by dictionary and food source.

Is squab considered a delicacy?

Yes. Food sources describe squab as a delicacy and note its use in fine dining.

Does squab have meanings outside food?

Yes. Dictionaries also list meanings such as a cushion, a sofa or couch, and a short, stout person.

References

Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/squab
Supports: Definitions including a fledgling bird, specifically a fledgling pigeon about four weeks old, plus older meanings like couch or cushion.
Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/squab
Supports: Culinary definition as a nestling pigeon raised for flesh; notes on food use and alternate meanings.
Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/squab
Supports: Definition of squab as a young pigeon eaten as food.
Collins Dictionary — https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/squab
Supports: Definitions including nestling pigeon, cushion, and short stout person.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squab
Supports: Culinary terminology: immature domestic pigeon typically under four weeks old, or its meat.
The Spruce Eats — https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-squab-2313817
Supports: Culinary explanation of squab as a young pigeon around four weeks old, used as food and considered a delicacy.
Food & Wine — https://www.foodandwine.com/cooking-techniques/the-tastiest-bird-you-can-legally-eat
Supports: Food writing describing squab as a young pigeon that has never flown and noting an approximate 28-day age.