verb
creak
kreek
verb
1
To make a harsh, grating, or squeaking sound, typically from friction between hard surfaces.
"The old floorboards creaked with every step."
"The rusty gate creaked open in the wind."
noun
1
The grating or squeaking sound made by something creaking.
"She heard a creak on the stairs and froze."
How to Use Creak
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA squeaky, grating sound, typically from old wood, hinges, or joints.
Common pairings
the floor creaked
a creaking door
Word Forms
creaked past tense, creaks plural, creaks singular
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Etymology
From Old English cearcian, "to creak or gnash," of imitative origin — the word was likely invented to sound like the noise it describes.