creaky

American

[kree-kee] / ˈkri ki /

adjective

creakier, creakiest

creaking or apt to creak.

a creaky stairway.
run-down; dilapidated.

a creaky shack.
Phonetics. (of the voice) produced by vibration of a small portion of the vocal cords while the arytenoid cartilages are held together, with little breath being released; laryngealized.

Other Word Forms

creakily adverb
creakiness noun

Etymology

Origin of creaky

First recorded in 1825–35; creak + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some of these investments—particularly those meant to replace creaky equipment—seem like the types regulators may be inclined to greenlight even if inflation runs rampant or the economy enters a downturn.

From The Wall Street Journal

Somehow, creaky tiled houses have been wedged here between enormous outcroppings of glacial boulders.

From The Wall Street Journal

After spending days and nights curled up in a tiny room, my legs feel creaky and heavy, but I can think about that another time.

From Literature

Newcastle were carving open the creaky Qarabag defence at will and their barrage brought a third goal in the 32nd minute.

From Barron's

Each forehand slice from the Spaniard was another test of creaky hips, ankles, and knees.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023