Part of Speech

Verb (Present Participle), Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkroʊ.kɪŋ/ (American English) | /ˈkrəʊ.kɪŋ/ (British English)

Definitions

• (Verb) The act of making a deep, rough sound, similar to that of a frog or raven.
• (Verb, Informal) Speaking in a hoarse or rasping voice.
• (Verb, Figurative) Predicting doom or misfortune.
• (Noun) A croaking sound or the action of producing such a sound.

Usage Examples

• The frogs were croaking loudly near the lake.
• After catching a cold, his voice was reduced to a croaking whisper.
• The old man kept croaking about the downfall of society.
• The eerie croaking of ravens echoed through the valley.

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "croken," meaning "to make a hoarse or harsh sound," likely imitative of frog or raven noises.

Synonyms

• Rasping
• Grating
• Groaning
• Cawing
• Predicting doom (figurative)

Antonyms

• Speaking clearly
• Chirping
• Singing
• Encouraging (figurative)

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Standard English: /ˈkroʊ.kɪŋ/

British English: /ˈkrəʊ.kɪŋ/

Southern U.S.: Sometimes pronounced with a drawn-out "o," like "krō-kin’."

Historical Usage

The term has been used since the 14th century to describe animal sounds. By the 19th century, it also gained figurative meaning, describing those who predict misfortune.

Cultural Nuances

In literature, croaking is often used to evoke eerie or ominous atmospheres. In folklore, croaking animals, such as ravens and frogs, are sometimes associated with supernatural events or omens.

More Information

Many frog species use croaking as a mating call. In human culture, croaking has symbolic meanings, often representing death or impending disaster in myths and stories.