creak

1 of 2

verb

creaked; creaking; creaks
Synonyms of creaknext

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
Nine’s creaking, warbling cadence makes for a Thug/Carti hybrid that’s distinct but still close enough to be familiar and palatable. Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 16 Apr. 2026 Many people use it to mask noises that can often be intrusive, such as creaking doors or loud televisions. Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
Mr Cobra opens like a dark, cobwebbed staircase leading into a vast and foreboding space, all frantic flute and piano, creaks, and bone-chilling screeches (not to mention a slutty monologue seemingly communicated via Google Translate). Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 17 Apr. 2026 Your baby was waking at every creak of the floorboard, every passing car, every branch scraping the window. Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for creak

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English creken to croak, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Verb

1582, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of creak was in 1582

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Creak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/creak. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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

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