creak

[kreek]

verb (used without object)

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

2. to move with creaking.

verb (used with object)

1. to cause to creak.

noun

1. a creaking sound.

creak

/ 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

noun

1. a harsh squeaking sound

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of creak¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of creak¹

C14: variant of _croak , of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Despite a line-out that was creaking, Ireland's error count was low and they dictated the terms, with O'Brien's kicking game forcing Japan to run out from deep and inevitably get turned over.

From BBC

Every time he touches her, the rest of the world seems to disappear: The focus goes shallow, the fine hairs on Brie’s skin dapple in the light, her muscles creak as loudly as tectonic plates.

From Los Angeles Times

She’s used to hearing provisional bleachers creak under sunscreen-slathered fans as music buzzes through nearby portable speakers.

From Los Angeles Times

The Scots creaked, Cam Henderson was sent to the bin, the clock was deep in the red at the 85-minute mark.

From BBC

A great part of approaching 40, one that nearly offsets the creaking bones and mortal dread, is finally being able to admit you simply like what you like.

From Salon

Related Words

• groan 
• screech 
• squeak