creek

noun (1)

Save Word

\ ˈkrēk

, ˈkrik

Definition of creek

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a natural stream of water normally smaller than and often tributary to a river

2 chiefly British : a small inlet or bay narrower and extending farther inland than a cove

3 archaic : a narrow or winding passage

up the creek

: in a difficult or perplexing situation

Creek

noun (2)

\ ˈkrēk

Definition of Creek (Entry 2 of 2)

1 plural Creek or Creeks : a member of any of a group of Indigenous American peoples that formed a confederacy in Georgia and eastern Alabama in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries and that were forcibly removed to Indian Territory in 1836 to 1840

2a plural Creek or Creeks : a member of the people who comprised the nucleus of the Creek confederacy : muscogee sense 1

b : the Muskogean language of this people : muscogee sense 2

Note: Creek is the name by which the Muscogee people were known to English settlers prior to their forcible removal to Indian Territory. Present-day members of this nation live under the name Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing creek Learn More About creek

Synonyms for creek

Synonyms: Noun (1)

beck
[British],
bourn
(or bourne),
brook,
brooklet,
burn
[British],
gill
[British],
rill,
rivulet,
run
[chiefly Midland],
runlet,
runnel,
streamlet

Examples of creek in a Sentence

Noun (1) The children waded in the creek. The coast is dotted with tiny creeks.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun There's a 5-mile trek which descends into a burbling creek, crosses the water and meanders through the forest and along hills overlooking the lakeshore before wandering through the forest for the rest of the trek. — Andrea Reeves, The Enquirer, 16 May 2022 The Gore-tex membrane, waterproof nubuck leather, and moisture-wicking lining above the ankle work as a collective shield in the rain, creek crossings, and surprise winter weather. — Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 6 May 2022 Meet at the Bait Shack at 11 a.m. to help clean up the creek in preparation for the 2022 salmon season. — Naomi Stock, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Apr. 2022 Toddlers can look for wildlife, listen to the wind and creek, smell plants and flowers, and touch the trees and leaves. — oregonlive, 29 Apr. 2022 The course goes over gravel, dirt, steep hills, long climbs and creek crossings. — Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2022 Plenty of creek crossings afford groups the chance to cool off on their way through Bryce Canyon prior to arriving at the hut at Pine Lake. — J.d. Simkins, Sunset Magazine, 27 Apr. 2022 The Dollingers put their own sweat in, as well — removing sick and damaged trees, restoring their creek and burning brush. — NBC News, 26 Apr. 2022 In the past couple of years, my home state has experienced drastic flooding due to climate change, the creek behind my house overflowing into the prairie. — ABC News, 22 Apr. 2022 See More

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