croak: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral to informal (for the slang 'die' meaning)
Quick answer
What does “croak” mean?
To make the deep, hoarse sound characteristic of a frog or raven.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make the deep, hoarse sound characteristic of a frog or raven.
To speak or utter in a low, rough voice; to die (slang).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meanings. The slang 'to die' is understood in both but may be slightly more common in US crime fiction/dialogue.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both. As slang for dying, it can be perceived as callous or disrespectful in formal/sensitive contexts.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US English for the slang meaning of death.
Grammar
How to Use “croak” in a Sentence
Subject + croakSubject + croak + (object) (e.g., a few words)Subject + croak + adverbial (e.g., in a whisper)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “croak” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The frogs began to croak as dusk fell over the pond.
- 'Water,' he croaked, his throat parched and sore.
- The old gangster threatened to make him croak.
American English
- A bullfrog croaked loudly from the creek.
- She could only croak a greeting after cheering at the game.
- My laptop croaked right before I saved the document.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, unless figuratively describing a failing system (e.g., 'The old server finally croaked.')
Academic
Only in literary analysis or zoology for the literal sound.
Everyday
Common for describing frog sounds or a hoarse voice. Slang for 'die' is informal/casual.
Technical
Used in herpetology/ornithology for animal vocalisations.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “croak”
- Using 'croak' to mean any animal sound (it's specific to frogs/ravens).
- Using the slang 'croak' in formal writing about death.
- Incorrect: 'He croaked a song.' (implies a rough, poor performance, not normal singing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, depending on context. It's informal and darkly humorous. Avoid it in serious, respectful discussions about death.
Primarily frogs and toads, but it's also traditionally used for ravens and crows due to their similar harsh, low calls.
Both imply hoarseness. 'Croak' often suggests the voice is almost failing, producing a single rough sound, while 'rasp' focuses on the grating, abrasive quality of the sound over longer speech.
Yes. 'Croak' is also a noun meaning the sound itself (e.g., 'the croak of a frog').
To make the deep, hoarse sound characteristic of a frog or raven.
Croak is usually neutral to informal (for the slang 'die' meaning) in register.
Croak: in British English it is pronounced /krəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /kroʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “croak it (slang: to die)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a frog on an OAK tree making a CROAK sound. The word sounds like the noise it describes.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEATH IS A SOUND (a final, rough noise); ILLNESS/EMOTION DAMAGES THE VOICE (voice is a broken instrument).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'croak' LEAST appropriate?