noun / verb

croak

KROHK/krəʊk/

A rough, low vocal sound, or to make such a sound.

The frog lets out a low croak beside the pond.

A male bullfrog actively calling at the water’s edge, its throat vocal sac visibly inflated.

Etymology

croakMiddle Englishto make a low, hoarse sound

Middle English crouken described the low, hoarse calls of birds, with use for frogs coming later. Its origin is imitative or connected with Old English cracian, “to make a sharp noise.”

In context

Randi Lynn Reed4:07

like the heron who can only croak who wishes he could sing.

An Ode to Summer🌻🌞🎨 reconnecting with my creative spirit & finding inspiration again

More examples

After cheering all night, I can only croak a greeting.
A raven croaks from a branch above the trail.
Her voice drops to a croak as her throat dries.

Forms

croak · croaks · croaked · croaking

croaky adjective — Having a rough, low, hoarse voice.

Similar words

rasp: Rasp emphasizes a dry, scraping quality rather than low pitch.
growl: Growl suggests a deeper rumbling sound, often signaling anger.