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

“But so far nothing too creepy has happened. I mean, it’s awfully dark outside at night. No weird noises, though, aside from creaking, popping, and pipe gurgle.”

From Literature

The fire escape creaked and groaned alarmingly as I made my way upward, so I moved quickly.

From Literature

Mother and Father crisscrossed the floorboards, wiggled the front door latch, listened to the individual creak of each stair.

From Literature

Using her beak, C.C. pried open a long thin door in the belly of the clock, thus revealing an intricate display of rusted gears and springs and chains and doodads creaking away.

From Literature

I was lying there, watching the flashes of lightning through my window and listening to the raging storm when the door of my room creaked open.

From Literature

Related Words

• groan
• screech
• squeak