Meaning & use
squeaking
Last updated
“squeaking” is a form of “squeak”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbintransitive
Making a short, thin, high sound, like a mouse or a dry hinge.
Grammar: No object: the door was squeaking. It can also be an adjective before a noun: a squeaking wheel.
Patterns
- squeak with something
- something squeaks
The old swing was squeaking in the wind all afternoon.
We heard a mouse squeaking behind the cupboard.
Her new shoes kept squeaking on the polished floor.
verbtransitive or intransitive
Speaking in a high, weak or nervous voice.
Grammar: Often takes a quote or is followed by out: he was squeaking out an apology.
Patterns
- squeak something out
- squeak with fear
The boy was squeaking with excitement as the show began.
He kept squeaking out excuses until she stopped him.
Her voice was squeaking whenever she had to talk in front of the class.
phrasephrasal verbinformal
Just managing to succeed, pass or win by a very small margin.
Grammar: Used with by, through or past: squeaking by on a tiny majority.
Patterns
- squeak by
- squeak through
- squeak past something
The team is squeaking through to the final by a single goal.
I'm squeaking by on my savings until the next paycheck.
The bill is squeaking past the committee with one vote to spare.
Word forms
| base form | squeak |
|---|---|
| third person singular | squeaks |
| past tense | squeaked |
| past participle | squeaked |
| -ing form | squeaking |
Common combinations
- squeaking hinge
- The squeaking hinge gave away who had opened the gate.
- squeaking floorboards
- We tiptoed past the squeaking floorboards so we would not wake the baby.
- squeaking mouse
- A squeaking mouse ran across the kitchen floor.
- squeaking brakes
- The squeaking brakes meant it was time for new pads.
- squeaking with delight
- The toddler was squeaking with delight at the bubbles.
- squeaking by
- The shop is squeaking by during the slow season.
Synonyms and how they differ
- squealing
- Squealing is louder and longer than squeaking and often suggests pain, fear or excitement.
- creaking
- Creaking is a lower, rougher noise, typical of old wood, while squeaking is thinner and higher.
- peeping
- Peeping is a soft cheeping sound mostly made by young birds, while squeaking is used for mice, toys and machinery as well.
- screeching
- Screeching is harsher and much more unpleasant than squeaking.
Word family
Commonly confused: squeaking or squealing?
squeaking vs squealing
Squealing is a louder, longer cry, while squeaking is shorter and thinner.
Practice
The bike chain needs oil because it keeps ___ every time I pedal with a thin, high noise.
Choose one answer.
Squeaking is the short, thin noise of dry metal parts rubbing together. Squealing is louder and longer, creaking is lower, and squawking is a harsh bird cry.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “squeaking”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.