noun
croak
krohk
Croak (noun) means a low, rough sound made in the throat, especially the call of a frog. Example: “A deep croak came from the pond at dusk.”
noun
1
A low, rough sound made in the throat, especially the call of a frog.
"A deep croak came from the pond at dusk."
"His voice was reduced to a croak after the long cold."
verb
1
To make a low, rough sound, or to say something in a hoarse voice.
"The frogs croaked all night by the lake."
""Water," he croaked, barely able to speak."
2
Informal: to die.
"The old TV finally croaked after fifteen years."
How to use croak
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rough, throaty sound, or the verb for making one — think of a frog, or a sore throat.
Common mistake
"Croak" meaning "to die" is slang and should be avoided in formal or sensitive writing.
Common pairings
croak like a frog
a hoarse croak
croak out a word
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Word forms
- Plural
- croaks
- Third person singular
- croaks
- Past tense
- croaked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A deep _____ came from the pond at dusk.
Etymology
An imitative (onomatopoeic) word from Old English crācettan, meaning "to croak" — it was formed to mimic the sound itself, much like "crack."
Related words
Rhymes for croak
See all rhymes for croak →Frequently asked questions
What does “croak” mean?
The word “croak” means a low, rough sound made in the throat, especially the call of a frog. In plain terms, a rough, throaty sound, or the verb for making one — think of a frog, or a sore throat.
How do you pronounce “croak”?
“Croak” is pronounced krohk (/kɹoʊk/ in IPA).
How do you use “croak” in a sentence?
Here is “croak” used in a sentence: “A deep croak came from the pond at dusk.”
What part of speech is “croak”?
Depending on how it is used, “croak” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “croak” come from?
The word “croak” comes from Old English. An imitative (onomatopoeic) word from Old English crācettan, meaning "to croak" — it was formed to mimic the sound itself, much like "crack.".
How many meanings does “croak” have?
“Croak” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a low, rough sound made in the throat, especially the call of a frog.
