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Croaking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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croaking

[หˆkroสŠkษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

animal sound

Croaking refers to the deep, hoarse sound made by certain animals, especially frogs. It is often associated with the mating calls of frogs, signaling their presence to potential partners. Additionally, the term can also be used to describe similar sounds made by other creatures or, in a metaphorical sense, by humans when they speak in a raspy or hoarse voice. The sound can vary in tone and volume based on the species and environmental conditions.

Synonyms

caw, croak, grumble.

Examples of usage

  • The bullfrog was croaking loudly at sunset.
  • She could hear the croaking of frogs from her window.
  • During the spring, the pond was filled with croaking sounds.
  • His voice was croaking after the long night of singing.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Animal Behavior

  • Frogs croak to attract mates or define their territory, with different species having unique croaking sounds.
  • Some birds, like crows, also croak to communicate with each other, often warning about dangers.

Culture

  • In some cultures, the sound of croaking frogs is associated with rain, believed to be a sign of impending storms.
  • The croaking sound has been featured in various films and songs as a representation of night nature.

Science

  • Researchers study frog croaks to understand their populations and health, as each species has a distinct sound pattern.
  • Certain frogs can produce sounds loud enough to be heard over a mile away, which helps them communicate across long distances.

Literature

  • Croaking is often used in literature as a metaphor for death or foreboding, partly because of its association with dark, swampy environments.
  • In children's tales, frogs that croak often play roles of wise characters or are the guardians of magic.

Origin of 'croaking'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'croak' comes from the Middle English 'croken,' which means to make a hoarse sound.
  • It has roots in the Old English term 'crฤcan,' which means to make a noise like a raven or crow.

The word 'croaking' originates from the Old English word 'crocian', which means to croak or make a hoarse sound. This term is related to various onomatopoeic words found in several languages that mimic the sound made by frogs and similar animals. The sound associated with croaking is one that has been recognized in the animal kingdom for centuries, primarily linked to the mating rituals of frogs, which croak to attract mates during breeding seasons. As language evolved, the term began to encompass a broader range of contexts, eventually being used to describe similar sounds made by other animals and even humans. The concept of croaking has also infiltrated colloquial language, where it may describe a person's hoarse voice or an expression of discontent. The cultural significance of croaking can be seen in various folklore and literature, where such sounds are often associated with foreboding or mystery, linking the animal with ancient beliefs in superstition.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,526, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.