Creek
/kriːk/
Definitions
2 meaningsA natural stream of water, usually smaller than a river.
/kriːk/
A small stream of water
We decided to go for a walk along the creek.
💡 Simply: Imagine a tiny river! A creek is a small stream of water, like a miniature river that you might see in the woods or fields. You can skip rocks on a creek.
👶 For kids: A small river!
More Examples
The children loved playing in the shallow creek during the summer.
The creek provided a water source for the animals in the forest.
How It's Used
"The hikers followed the creek until they reached the waterfall."
"The wildlife thrived near the clear, flowing creek."
A small, sheltered inlet or bay, often found along a coastline.
/kriːk/
A narrow inlet of the sea; a cove
The fishermen docked their boats in the creek for the night.
💡 Simply: A creek can also be a small, protected part of the ocean or sea that comes into the land. It's like a little bay that’s a safe place for boats to hide.
👶 For kids: A small part of the ocean that goes into the land.
More Examples
We anchored the sailboat in a secluded creek.
The tide ebbed and flowed in the peaceful creek.
How It's Used
"The boat sailed into the sheltered creek to avoid the storm."
"The sailors found a safe harbor in the creek."
From Middle English *creke*, from Old English *crēca* ('creek, inlet'), related to Old Norse *kríki* ('nook, corner, inlet').
The word 'creek' has been used in English since the Old English period and has consistently referred to a small body of flowing water or a narrow inlet.
Memory tip
Think of a 'kree-k' sound the water makes as it flows through a narrow path.
Word Origin
"creek, inlet"