Squishy describes something soft that you can squeeze and that springs back when you let go. A marshmallow is squishy. So is a foam stress ball, a ripe peach, or the sole of a running shoe. When you press something squishy, it gives way under your fingers, then bounces back to its original shape.

The word captures both a texture and a feeling: squishiness suggests something yielding and pleasant to touch. Kids often collect squishy toys because they're satisfying to squeeze. A squishy pillow feels comfortable. A squishy lawn after rain feels different from hard, dry ground.

People sometimes use squishy to describe ideas or rules that aren't firm or clear. If someone says a deadline is “kind of squishy,” they mean it's flexible and might change. A squishy rule bends easily. This usage suggests something lacks the firmness or certainty you might want. A clear rule about when homework is due works better than a squishy one that leaves everyone confused about what's expected.