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

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

From BBC

The other camp points to a creaking jobs market and declining wage growth as a reason to be comfortable in cutting rates this week.

From The Wall Street Journal

Remember when the Australia squad was written off as ageing, creaking and over the hill?

From BBC

The BOE faces a similar dilemma to the Federal Reserve in judging how to respond to a creaking labor market and stubbornly high inflation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Germany’s economy as a whole has stagnated since late 2019, after its manufacturing base creaked under high energy prices, increased competition, and a slowdown in Chinese demand.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• groan
• screech
• squeak