creek
/kriːk/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A creek is a small stream or narrow inlet of water. In North American English, it usually means a small natural stream. In some other varieties, it can also mean a narrow arm of the sea.
- We crossed the creek on a wooden bridge.
- The creek runs behind our house.
- They kayaked through the creek.
Adinary Nuance
A creek is smaller and narrower than a river. It is usually more natural and rural than a canal, which is man-made. In North American English, a creek is often a small stream; in British English, people may say stream more often.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- suối nhỏ
- Spanish
- arroyo
- Chinese
- 小溪
- Japanese
- 小川
- Korean
- 개울
Etymology
Creek comes from Old Norse kriki, meaning a corner or bend. The word entered English through Middle English and later came to mean a small stream or inlet.
Common phrases
cross the creekthe creek beda creek runs throughalong the creek
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is creek the same as river?
- No. A creek is smaller and narrower than a river.
- Is creek a common word in Indian English?
- It is understood, but stream is often more common in everyday use.
- Can creek mean the sea?
- Yes, in some regions it can mean a narrow inlet of water.
- What is the difference between creek and stream?
- Creek and stream are close in meaning, but creek often sounds more regional.