creak
[kreek]
- to make a sharp, harsh, grating, or squeaking sound.
- to move with creaking.
Show More
- to cause to creak.
Show More
- a creaking sound.
Show More
Origin of creak
1275–1325; Middle English creken to croak, apparently back formation from Old English crǣcettan, variant of crācettan to croak
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for creaks
Contemporary Examples
In The Paying Guests, the house, which creaks and stands so still and yet so freighted, is almost a character in itself.
“I live in a house that creaks, and when I am asleep and hear that groan, it reminds me that I am back in the mine,” said Avalos.
Historical Examples
Creaks and cracks and rustlings mysterious and unexplainable.
Thankful's InheritanceJoseph C. Lincoln
This cottage rattles and creaks, and when the wind blows, it comes in through every chink.
HeidiJohanna Spyri
A thing that creaks is not standing still and gathering mildew.
When Winter Comes to Main StreetGrant Martin Overton
It is hanging on the sands—how it creaks and sways in the wind!
The Light of ScartheyEgerton Castle
We had heard lots of creaks already, but somehow this one startled us both.
Reginald CrudenTalbot Baines Reed
creak
- to make or cause to make a harsh squeaking sound
- (intr) to make such sounds while movingthe old car creaked along
Show More
- a harsh squeaking sound
Show More
Word Origin
C14: variant of croak, of imitative origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for creaks
creak
v.
early 14c., "utter a harsh cry," of imitative origin. Used of the sound made by a rusty gate hinge, etc., from 1580s. Related: Creaked; creaking. As a noun, from c.1600.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper