creak

1 of 2

verb

ˈkrēk 

creaked; creaking; creaks

intransitive verb

: to make a prolonged grating or squeaking sound often as a result of being worn-out

also : to proceed slowly with or as if with creaking wheels

the story creaks along to a dull conclusion

creak

2 of 2

noun

: a rasping or grating noise

Synonyms

Verb

• crawl
• creep
• drag
• inch
• limp
• nose
• ooze
• plod
• poke
• slouch
• snail

Noun

• grind
• jar
• rasp
• scrape
• scratch

Examples of creak in a Sentence

Verb

The old floorboards creaked under our feet.

The porch roof creaked with the heavy weight of the snow.

Noun

the creak of a floorboard

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The use of sound effects elevates the tangibility of the low poly world, with heavy footsteps, creaking doors, crunching and snapping locks and keys all imbuing the otherwise grainy clay-like facade with a real-life grime. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2024

There’s silence, there is silence and distinct audio, noises like creaking of metal that’s underwater in the submarine. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2024

Noun

Arlene was only 28 years old, but the action made her knees creak and her lower back protest. —EW.com, 1 Nov. 2024

But Take Note There have been complaints of faulty bearings, and the ride can be a bit wobbly and loud, with some squeaks and creaks along the way. —Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English creken to croak, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Verb

1583, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1604, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

creak

verb

ˈkrēk

: to make a long scraping or squeaking sound

also : to go slowly with or as if with creaking wheels

creak noun