croak

[ krohk ]

verb (used without object)

1. to utter a low-pitched, harsh cry, as the sound of a frog or a raven.
2. to speak with a low, rasping voice.
3. Slang. to die.
4. to talk despondingly; prophesy trouble or evil; grumble.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter or announce by croaking.
2. Slang. to kill.

noun

1. the act or sound of croaking.

croak

/ krəʊk /

verb

1. intr (of frogs, crows, etc) to make a low, hoarse cry
2. to utter (something) in this manner

   he croaked out the news

3. intr to grumble or be pessimistic
4. slang.
   1. intr to die
   2. tr to kill

noun

1. a low hoarse utterance or sound

Derived Forms

• ˈcroaky, adjective
• ˈcroakily, adverb
• ˈcroakiness, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of croak¹

1550–60; earlier croke, probably imitative; compare Old English cræcetian (of a raven) to croak

Word History and Origins

Origin of croak¹

Old English crācettan; related to Old Norse krāka a crow; see creak

Example Sentences

Then he croaks the hook from the album’s first single, “Houdini,” a riff on the chorus of Steve Miller’s “Abracadabra”:

From Salon

When she asked him what she needed to bring with them, he croaked, “The clocks.”

From Los Angeles Times

Each one’s momentary glow pulses alive and fades in syncopated rhythm with the drowsy croaks of bullfrogs.

From Salon

Because of this, and the fact that it makes some people sound like they are on the verge of tears, some doctors once believed that the croaking or breathy vocalizations were tied to psychological trauma.

From Los Angeles Times

We see it in the male fans of Jordan Peterson, who clamor to his events to hear him croak out a just-so story about how lobsters justify their faith in male dominance.

From Salon