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 corn crake is considered a species at risk of extinction by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 21 Nov. 2025

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

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

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

Rhymes for crake

• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik
• fake
• flake
• hake
• jake
• lake