Definition

A person or thing that makes a loud, high-pitched scream or cry.

Example

The shrieker in the haunted house scared everyone with its terrifying screams.

Conversation

Did you hear that sound last night?

Yeah, it sounded like a real shrieker out there!

I was so freaked out; I thought it was a ghost or something.

Same here! I really hope it was just an animal.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Shrieker → It is formed from "shriek" (from Old English *scrīcan*, meaning to cry out or scream) and "-er" (meaning a person who). A shrieker is a person who cries out or screams loudly.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'cries out' ('shriek') — the '-er' indicates that this person is the one making the loud noise.

Visually Confused Words