Quick answer
Shriek means to give a high, piercing cry; also such a cry itself. It is usually pronounced SHREEK, and today it is still readable to modern audiences, even if it sounds more deliberate than everyday speech.
Word page
Shriek
To shriek means to give a high, piercing cry; also such a cry itself. It belongs to speech, noise, and verbal nonsense and works best in complaints about jargon, gossip, fuss, and the many noises people make with language. It still feels usable today, especially when you want a word with more character than the plainest alternative.
At a glance
speechnoiseverbal-nonsense
How to say it
Meaning in plain English
If you shriek, you to give a high, piercing cry; also such a cry itself. The verb usually suggests something more expressive, comic, or textured than a plain everyday substitute.
Why this word feels absurd
Shriek feels absurd because it has more texture than the plain alternative, giving the idea an extra bit of theatrical, comic, or overbuilt energy.
Origin and history
Shriek is generally traced to old Norse / Middle English roots. In modern use, the history matters less than the strong tone the word still carries.
Is this word still used today?
Shriek is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
Example sentences
- Someone let out a shriek when the lights suddenly failed.
- The brakes gave a metallic shriek on the wet road.
- The children shrieked with laughter at the splash.
- In gothic fiction, a shriek usually means the calm is over.
When should you use this word?
Use shriek when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in complaints about jargon, gossip, fuss, and the many noises people make with language.
Similar words
Scream, Screech, Yelp, Cry out
Opposite or contrasting words
Whisper, Murmur, Speak softly, Fall silent
Common questions
- What does shriek mean? To give a high, piercing cry; also such a cry itself.
- How do you pronounce shriek? It is commonly pronounced SHREEK.
- Is shriek still used today? Shriek is still usable today, especially when you want language that feels more distinctive than the plainest modern alternative.
- When should you use shriek? Use shriek when a plain action verb feels too flat and you want the sentence to carry more motion, tone, or comic texture. It works especially well in complaints about jargon, gossip, fuss, and the many noises people make with language.
- What words are similar to shriek? Similar words include Scream, Screech, Yelp, and Cry out.
Editorial note
Edited by Absurd Words. Last updated: May 9, 2026. See the editorial policy for how definitions, examples, labels, and update checks are handled on the site.