crake

noun

ˈkrāk 

1

: any of various rails

especially : a short-billed rail (such as the corncrake)

2

: the corncrake's cry

Examples of crake in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The most intriguing sighting of all was made by several fortunate observers who had tantalizing glimpses of a possible corn crake at Daniel Webster Wildlife Sanctuary in Marshfield. —BostonGlobe.com, 17 Sep. 2022

As the two men search separately, Holt mimics the corn crake mating call, and Kevin responds. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2021

On the trail, Holt describes the nearby corn crake to Kevin, who can’t see through his swollen eyes. —Devon Ivie, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2021

Among its rare and exclusive wildlife are giant tortoises, marine iguanas, penguins, finches, crakes, and species of mice found nowhere else in the world. —Popular Science, 21 Jan. 2020

Corn crakes usually migrate to spend the winter in the grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. —Richard O. Prum, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2018

The Cedar Beach bird was only the second corn crake recorded in New York State since Grover Cleveland was president. —Richard O. Prum, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2018

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably from Old Norse krāka crow or krākr raven; akin to Old English crāwan to crow

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1