creak

play

verb \ ˈkrēk \

Definition of creak

intransitive verb

:to make a prolonged grating or squeaking sound often as a result of being worn-out; also :to proceed slowly with or as if with creaking wheels

the story creaks along to a dull conclusion

See creak defined for English-language learners

See creak defined for kids

Examples of creak in a Sentence

The old floorboards creaked under our feet.
The porch roof creaked with the heavy weight of the snow.

Recent Examples of creak from the Web

The creaking Leviathan of the administrative state hovers in the background of this book.

— nr symposium, National Review, "It’s Summer, Time to Catch Up on Your Reading — A Symposium," 31 July 2017
A post shared by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos) on Jul 16, 2017 at 7:09pm PDT There were also some freak outs over new appearances reappearances from some previously AWOL characters, as all of Westeros creaks closer to winter reckoning.

— lilian min, Cosmopolitan, "Twitter Can't Get Over This Game of Thrones Hairstyle Joke," 17 July 2017
Ichiro Suzuki’s bones didn’t suddenly start creaking and aching.

— clark spencer, miamiherald, "Ichiro moves up to MLB’s current oldest player," 30 June 2017
The Cincinnati back line creaked and buckled, but never broke.

— patrick brennan, Cincinnati.com, "FC Cincinnati downs Chicago Fire on penalty kicks, 3-1," 28 June 2017
And as the door to trade creaked open, U.S. companies took advantage.

— j. weston phippen, The Atlantic, "Trump's Cuban Policy Reversal," 16 June 2017
The literature of the draft thus far is but a chronicle of creaking machinery, a listing of error and delinquencies, a posting of the rules—and the blessed bulletins from General Crowder.

— rosa inocencio smith, The Atlantic, "The Atlantic Daily: Terror and Twitter," 5 June 2017
Billboards creaked over on their steel poles, trees crashed to the ground and roof tiles blew about like scraps of newspaper as gusts of at least 49 miles per hour lashed the city.

— andrew e. kramer, New York Times, "Fierce Wind Lashes Moscow, Leaving 12 Dead," 29 May 2017
The old steps creaked as Clara Rosen descended into the basement of the empty house on Robert Street in West St. Paul.

— molly guthrey, Twin Cities, "Ma Barker gang’s old West St. Paul hideout for sale," 27 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'creak.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of creak

Middle English creken to croak, of imitative origin

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1583

See Words from the same year

creak

noun

Definition of creak

:a rasping or grating noise

Examples of creak in a Sentence

the creak of a floorboard

Recent Examples of creak from the Web

Nights in village houses were punctuated by ominous creaks and groans.

— mary ann gwinn / lit life columnist, The Seattle Times, "3 new history books, perfect for hard times," 20 July 2017
The female body grows and slows, pimples and dimples, and leaks and creaks.

— aly viny, Cosmopolitan, "10 Things I Want My Daughter to Know About Her Body," 5 July 2017
Entering a house and hearing the creak of wooden floorboards from above causes a gut-lurching physical reaction that so many other multiplayer shooters, with their quick respawns and heartier characters, lack.

— reid mccarter, GQ, "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds Is Brutal, Cynical, Ugly—and Hugely Popular," 5 July 2017
External sounds and sights bleed into this exhibition, which also resonates with the whir and creak and tinkle of sculptures in motion.

— jason farago, New York Times, "When It Comes to Calder, the Same Piece Is Always Different," 8 June 2017
None did, largely because Rice was approaching 30 and starting to creak.

— david whitley, OrlandoSentinel.com, "NFL and Joe Mixon need a Ray Rice Rule," 25 Apr. 2017
The bird imitated the creak of the ship on the way over and for some time thereafter.

— National Geographic, "Here's Why 'Birdbrain' Should Be a Compliment," 15 May 2016

First Known Use of creak

1604

creak Synonyms

Synonyms

rasp, grind, jar, scrape, scratch

Related Words

clang, clangor, clank, clash, jangle; scuff; croak, gargle; blast, bleat, bray, screech

CREAK Defined for English Language Learners

creak

play

verb

Definition of creak for English Language Learners

: to make a long, high sound : to make a sound like the sound made by an old door when it opens or closes

CREAK Defined for Kids

creak

play

verb \ ˈkrēk \

Definition of creak for Students

creaked; creaking

:to make a long scraping or squeaking sound

The stairs creaked … with every step.
—Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking

creak

noun

Definition of creak for Students

:a long squeaking or scraping noise

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