creak

1 of 2

verb

creaked; creaking; creaks

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

creak

2 of 2

noun

: a rasping or grating noise

Examples of creak in a Sentence

Verb The old floorboards creaked under our feet. The porch roof creaked with the heavy weight of the snow. Noun the creak of a floorboard
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
For years, Austinites have hungrily lined up around the block on Barton Springs Rd., often well before the doors even creak open, for a taste of Terry Black's brisket, ribs, and all the fixin's. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 The all-plastic body doesn’t creak or groan, and the display lid allows surprisingly little flex for a budget laptop. PC Magazine, 5 June 2025
Noun
The dim shake of her flashlight on the wall, the creak of the floor. Literary Hub, 10 June 2025 Like any old building, Larkin Lodge has creaks and drafts, but Emily thinks there’s more going on. Gabino Iglesias, New York Times, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for creak

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English creken to croak, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Verb

1583, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1604, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of creak was in 1583

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Creak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/creak. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

creak

verb
ˈkrēk
: to make a long scraping or squeaking sound
also : to go slowly with or as if with creaking wheels
creak noun

More from Merriam-Webster on creak

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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