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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
Or perhaps a constructive metaphor is better—a social order starts to creak into place. Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025 Though overall inflation appears to be stabilizing, the uneven pattern hints at what some analysts see as a late-cycle economy — where headline numbers look steady, but the foundations begin to creak. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
Filmed in the found footage style, the movie is perfect for those nights when the lights are off, the room is quiet and viewers can hear every creak, footstep and knock in the film. Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025 Almog hears the creak of the trapdoor opening, hushed whispers, approaching footsteps. Eli Sharabi, Time, 1 Oct. 2025 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 29 Nov. 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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