crake

noun

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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crake.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of crake was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near crake

Cite this Entry

“Crake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crake. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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