Definition of 'creak'
Word forms: creaks, creaking, creaked
intransitive verb
If something creaks, it makes a short, high-pitched sound when it moves.
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Video: pronunciation of
creak
Word Frequency
creak in American English
verb intransitive
2.
to move slowly with or as with such a sound
noun
3.
such a sound
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word Frequency
creak in British English
verb
2. (intransitive)
to make such sounds while moving
the old car creaked along
noun
3.
a harsh squeaking sound
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Derived forms
creaky (ˈcreaky) adjective
creakily (ˈcreakily)
adverb
creakiness (ˈcreakiness)
noun
creakingly (ˈcreakingly)
adverb
Word origin
C14: variant of croak, of imitative origin
Examples of 'creak' in a sentence
creak
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.
Read more…
Trends of
creak
View usage over:
In other languages
creak
British English: creak VERB
If something creaks, it makes a short, high-pitched sound when it moves.
The bed-springs creaked.
Nearby words of
creak
Source
Definition of creak from the
Collins English Dictionary
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
place or plaice?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
plaice
place
I ordered a fillet of with rice and vegetables.
pedal or peddle?
Which version is correct?
altar or alter?
Which version is correct?
bread or bred?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
bread
bred
She made herself some and butter.
sun or son?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
son
sun
He shared a pizza with his .
Your score:
Word of the day
ratatouille
Ratatouille is a cooked dish made with vegetables such as tomatoes, onions , aubergines, courgettes, and peppers.
Latest Word Submissions
From glamping to drivecations: the search for the best staycation
Riddle: When is a staycation not a staycation?
To me it seems like centuries ago that we Brits first cottoned on to that handy word staycation. I’d place it at about 15 years ago – which at today’s speed of change feels more like 150.
Read more
Study guides for every stage of your learning journey
Whether you're in search of a crossword puzzle, a detailed guide to tying knots, or tips on writing the perfect college essay, Harper Reference has you covered for all your study needs.
Read more
Anticipation and rain check are among the most frequently looked-up words in July
Perhaps the most striking thing about the list of words that people have looked up in the Collins Dictionary in July is that it no longer contains a lot of words that were being looked up earlier in the year.
Read more
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more
Join the Collins community
All the latest wordy news, linguistic insights, offers and competitions every month.
Read more
Updating our Usage
There are many diverse influences on the way that English is used across the world today. We look at some of the ways in which the language is changing. Read our series of blogs to find out more.
Read more
Area 51, Starship, and Harvest Moon: September’s Words in the News
I’m sure a lot of people would agree that we live in strange times. But do they have to be so strange that Area 51 is making headlines? And what’s this about fish the look like aliens. September’s Words in the News explain all.
Read more
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
ascent or assent?
Which version is correct?
peak or peek?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
peek
peak
The company wanted a large fee for a at the data.
made or maid?
Which version is correct?
complement or compliment?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
complement
compliment
The green wallpaper is the perfect to the old pine of the dresser.
pray or prey?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
pray
prey
We all work and for peace.
Your score: