Meaning & Definition of word "Croak"

Croak

/kroʊk/

noun:

  • 1. the hoarse sound made by a frog.
    • Example: The croak of the bullfrog echoed through the marsh.
  • 2. a harsh voice.
    • Example: She spoke with a croak that suggested she was unwell.

verb:

  • 1. to make a low, hoarse sound, often like that of a frog.
    • Example: The frogs croak loudly at night near the pond.
  • 2. to speak in a harsh, low voice.
    • Example: He could barely croak out the words after losing his voice.
  • 3. to die (slang).
    • Example: If you keep smoking, you're going to croak sooner than you think.

Etymology

Middle English croken, from Old English craocian; related to the sound made by frogs.

Common Phrases and Expressions

croak it up:

to speak unpleasantly or in a grumbling manner.

don't croak:

an informal way to tell someone not to worry about dying.

make a croaky noise:

to sound hoarse or raspy.

Related Words

croaking:

the act of making a croaking sound.

croaker:

a person or thing that croaks, often used to refer to frogs.

Slang Meanings of croak

Meaning: to die

Example Sentence: He was so sick last week, I thought he was going to croak.

Meaning: to complain loudly

Example Sentence: Stop croaking about your job and just get it done.