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

He is defined by speed and athleticism but lately appears to be creaking — as if a lot of things, including opposition wingers, have begun to catch up with him. —Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024

Surrounded by majestic snowcapped peaks and creaking spruce trees, the hotel has the feel of an off-the-grid oasis without sacrificing any amenities. —Katherine Lagrave, AFAR Media, 10 Dec. 2024

Noun

Empty as a ghost town in winter but overwhelmed with wall-to-wall tourists in summer, its infrastructure creaks under pressure. —Alex Ledsom, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

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