croak

1 of 3

verb

ˈkrōk How to pronounce croak (audio)
croaked; croaking; croaks
Synonyms of croaknext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to make a deep harsh sound
b
: to speak in a hoarse throaty voice
2
: grumble sense 1
3
slang : die

transitive verb

1
: to utter in a hoarse raucous voice
2
slang : kill

croak

2 of 3

noun

: a hoarse harsh cry or sound
croaky
ˈkrō-kē How to pronounce croak (audio)
adjective

croaky

3 of 3

adjective

ˈkrō-kē How to pronounce croaky (audio)
-er/-est
: deeply hoarse : croaking
a croaky voice

Synonyms of croak

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Verb

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Examples of croak in a Sentence

Verb We could hear the frogs croaking by the pond. The man could only croak his name. He tried to speak but could barely croak. He had a heart attack and croaked.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Males also begin their chorus of throaty croaks in hopes of attracting a willing mate. — Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026 Ravens circle overhead, croaking at my presence in defiance. — Josh Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Noun
His gravelly croak sounds melodic but grave. — Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2025 Males also begin their chorus of throaty croaks in hopes of attracting a willing mate. — Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for croak

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English croken, of imitative origin

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

1573, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of croak was in the 15th century

Rhymes for croak

See All Rhymes for croak

Browse Nearby Words

CRNA
croak
croaker
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Croak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/croak. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

croak

verb
ˈkrōk
1
a
: to make a deep harsh sound
b
: to speak in a hoarse throaty voice
2
: grumble sense 1, complain
3
slang
a
: die entry 1 sense 1
b
: kill entry 1 sense 1
croak noun

More from Merriam-Webster on croak

Nglish: Translation of croak for Spanish Speakers

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