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

Crackling campfires, creaking wood stoves, the smell of good food and drink alongside autumn’s finest foliage created a multi-sensory backdrop. —Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024

Barca’s total for that period was €806m, and Real Madrid’s €843m. The 2017 move from their old, creaking Vicente Calderon stadium to the modern, tourist-friendly Estadio Metropolitano has led to a significant increase in revenue. —Dermot Corrigan, The Athletic, 7 Aug. 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