Definition

Adjective 1. Making a high-pitched, shrill sound: Describes something that produces a sharp, piercing noise, often compared to the sound of a mouse or a rusty hinge. 2. Making a rasping or grating sound: Describes something that produces a harsh, rough, scraping noise, often due to friction or age.

Usage Examples

• The old, screaky floorboard gave away his position as he tried to sneak out.
• We were kept awake by the screaky noise of the wind whistling through a crack in the window.
• The door opened with a screaky groan that echoed through the silent house.

Advanced Usage

• "Screaky voice": A voice that is high-pitched, thin, and often strained or unsteady.
  • After shouting all day at the concert, he was left with a screaky voice.

Variants and Related Words

• Squeaky (adj): Very similar in meaning, often used interchangeably with "screaky" for high-pitched sounds.
  • The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
• Creaky (adj): Specifically emphasizes a harsh, grating sound, often from something old or under strain. It is a direct synonym for the second meaning.
  • She climbed the creaky wooden stairs.

Synonyms

• Squeaking: Making a short, high-pitched sound.
• Screechy: Making an unpleasant, loud, high-pitched sound.
• Rasping: Making a harsh, grating sound.
• Grating: Making an irritating, scraping sound.

Related Idioms

• "Squeaky clean": (Note: This idiom uses the related word "squeaky"). Completely clean or morally beyond reproach.
  • His reputation is squeaky clean.

Adjective

1. having or making a high-pitched sound such as that made by a mouse or a rusty hinge
2. having a rasping or grating sound
   • creaky stairs