creak

1 of 2

verb

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for creak 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of creak was in 1583

Dictionary Entries Near creak

Cite this Entry

“Creak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/creak. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on creak

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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