First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1croak
verb \ˈkrōk\
: to make the deep, harsh sound that a frog makes
: to say (something) in a rough, low voice that is hard to understand
: to die
Full Definition of CROAK
intransitive verb
1
a : to make a deep harsh sound b : to speak in a hoarse throaty voice
2
: grumble 1
3
slang : die
transitive verb
1
: to utter in a hoarse raucous voice
2
slang : kill
See croak defined for English-language learners
See croak defined for kids
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Origin of CROAK
Middle English croken, of imitative origin
Related to CROAK
- Synonyms
- beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, crab, complain, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, grumble, grump, holler, inveigh, keen, kick, kvetch, maunder [chiefly British], moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge [British], yammer, yawp (or yaup), yowl
2croak
noun
Definition of CROAK
: a hoarse harsh cry or sound
— croaky \ˈkrō-kē\ adjective
First Known Use of CROAK
1561
CROAK Defined for Kids
1croak
verb \ˈkrōk\
croakedcroak·ing
Definition of CROAK for Kids
1
: to utter with a rough low voice <“I need water,” he croaked.>
2
: to make a deep harsh sound <frogs croaked>
2croak
noun
Definition of CROAK for Kids
: a hoarse harsh sound or cry
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