/ kriːk; NAmE / noun
1.
( BrE ) a narrow area of water where the sea flows into the land
SYN inlet
2.
( NAmE , AustralE , NZE ) a small river or stream
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IDIOMS
- up the creek (without a paddle)
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French crique or from Old Norse kriki nook; perhaps reinforced by Middle Dutch krēke ; of unknown ultimate origin.