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
Verb
Each boasts a genuine creaking floor, the kid- favorite candy barrels with retro sweets such as caramel bull’s-eyes, kitchen items like cast-iron skillets, and an extensive line of delicious foods including apple butter and peach salsa. Carolanne Griffith Roberts, Southern Living, 22 May 2024 The new rule by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which oversees interstate electricity transmission, is the most significant attempt in years to upgrade and expand the country’s creaking electricity network. Brad Plumer, New York Times, 13 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for creak 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'creak.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 1 Jun. 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

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