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

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

I spun the wheel and was surprised it didn’t wobble or creak.

From Literature

City's win leaves them only two points behind the Gunners, who showed signs of creaking under pressure as they cast aside a two-goal lead to draw with relegation certainties Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek.

From BBC

It all adds up to a severe examination of Arsenal just as they look to be creaking under the pressure of chasing that elusive Premier League crown.

From BBC

Related Words

• groan
• screech
• squeak