creak

Creak is the sound produced when two surfaces rub or when a material deforms under load, most commonly heard in wooden or metal structures such as floorboards, doors, stairs, or furniture. The term describes the noise itself as well as the act of producing it.

The word is an English onomatopoeia, imitating the characteristic sound. As a verb, creak can describe both the act of producing such a sound and the condition of making a creak.

Causes and mechanisms vary. Creaks can result from friction at joints or contact points, drying or swelling of wood that changes the fit of components, nails loosening, hinges under torque, or springs and cables under weight. Temperature, humidity, and movement can amplify or dampen the sound, and small shifts in structure can create audible creaks even when there is no immediate danger.

In culture and media, creaks are often used to signal age, vulnerability, or tension, such as an old house in a story or a creaking floorboard in a suspense scene. In building maintenance, persistent new creaks may warrant inspection, as they can indicate structural movement, moisture issues, or loosening components, though not every creak signals a hazard.

Related terms include squeak and groan, which describe similar noises produced by different mechanisms. The concept of creak is widely understood across English-speaking contexts and is frequently referenced in daily speech, design, and storytelling.