creak

American  

[kreek] / krik /

verb (used without object)

1. to make a sharp, harsh, grating, or squeaking sound.

2. to move with creaking.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cause to creak.

noun

1. a creaking sound.

creak British  

/ kriːk /

verb

1. to make or cause to make a harsh squeaking sound

2. (intr) to make such sounds while moving

   the old car creaked along

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noun

1. a harsh squeaking sound

Other Word Forms

• creakily adverb
• creakiness noun
• creakingly adverb
• creaky adjective

Etymology

Origin of creak

1275–1325; Middle English creken to croak, apparently back formation from Old English crǣcettan, variant of crācettan to croak

Example Sentences

The body is creaking after serious knee, hamstring and shoulder injuries in the past two years alone.

From BBC

Tom has reached an age when he can no longer get around the house without an accompaniment of creaks and groans and thuds.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even the sounds of wind, the creaking of ships and a passing cow play a part.

From Los Angeles Times

Mood improved slightly in December, though remains at a weak level as consumers fret over inflation and a creaking labor market, it said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Another factor that contributes to the network creaking in places is a legacy of underinvestment.

From BBC

Related Words

• groan
• screech
• squeak