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Meaning & use

squeaking noise

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈskwiːkɪŋ nɔɪz/
US/ˈskwiːkɪŋ nɔɪz/

Meaning

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    A short, high-pitched sound made when surfaces rub or press, such as hinges, brakes, shoes, or small animals.

    Grammar: Usually singular with 'a'; use plural only for repeated separate sounds.

    Patterns

    • make a squeaking noise
    • hear a squeaking noise
    • a loud squeaking noise

    The door made a squeaking noise every time it opened.

    I heard a squeaking noise under the floorboards at night.

    Her new shoes made a squeaking noise on the gym floor.

Common combinations

loud squeaking noise
A loud squeaking noise came from the rusty swing.
high-pitched squeaking noise
The brakes gave a high-pitched squeaking noise at the corner.
hear a squeaking noise
We heard a squeaking noise and found a mouse behind the boxes.
make a squeaking noise
If the cart makes a squeaking noise, oil the wheels.

Synonyms and how they differ

squeak
Squeak is the shorter everyday word; squeaking noise is more explicit and descriptive.
creak
Creak is usually lower, longer, and drier, like a floorboard, not the sharper squeak of brakes.
screech
Screech is louder, harsher, and more unpleasant than a small squeaking noise.

Word family

squeak verb
To make a short high-pitched sound.
squeaky adjective
Making or likely to make squeaks.

Commonly confused: squeaking noise or squealing? squeaking noise or creaking?

squeaking noise vs squealing

Squealing is often longer and can come from animals, people, or tires under stress.

squeaking noise vs creaking

Creaking suggests dry rubbing of wood or metal and is usually lower than squeaking.

Practice

Which option best completes the sentence: Every time I brake, I hear ___?

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