creaky

Everyday

1. Making a long, high, squeaking sound when moved or stepped on: «a creaky door», «creaky stairs». tree →
2. Old and not working as well as before: «creaky knees», «a creaky old computer». tree →
3. (of plans or systems) Weak, out of date or not well put together: «a creaky plan». tree →

In the lessons

In stories, especially spooky ones, creaky doors, floorboards and stairs build suspense. In everyday life, older people joke about their creaky joints. In science, creaking is a sound made by friction between wood or metal parts; oil reduces it. Phrases: «creaky floorboards», «creaky door», «creaky joints», «creaky old».

Examples

• The creaky stairs gave us away when we sneaked down at night. tree →
• The old house was full of creaky floorboards. tree →
• Grandad says his knees are getting creaky. tree →
• Dad oiled the creaky gate. tree →
• We heard a creaky door open in the dark. tree →
• Our creaky old laptop takes ages to start. tree →
• The plan was a bit creaky, but it worked. tree →

Note

Comparative: creakier, creakiest. The verb and noun «creak» (the sound) is a homophone of «creek» (a small stream; in the US and Australia, any small river). Similar: squeaky. The word copies the sound.