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
But it was outmaneuvered by nimbler streamers, slowed down by a creaking debt load, culture clashes, and the Justice Department. Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 10 June 2025 When the wind blows, there’s a brittle creaking sound as the structure sways. Alessandra Schade, Vogue, 7 June 2025
Noun
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 Photo : Icon 4x4 For this prototype, sound-deadening materials and carpeting were absent in order to help locate newfound creaks and rattles that a V-8 engine might cover up. Michael Van Runkle, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 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 17 Jun. 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

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