Definition

Describing something that tends to make loud, high-pitched sounds, often resembling screams or shrieks.

Example

The shrieky sound of the alarm startled everyone in the room.

Conversation

Did you hear that shrieky sound coming from the other room?

Yeah, it sounded like a cat in distress or something.

I hope everything is okay; that was really unsettling!

Me too! Maybe we should check it out just to be safe.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

'Shriek' (from Middle English *shriken*, meaning to cry out or scream) and '-y' (a suffix used to form adjectives indicating a characteristic). The word 'shrieky' describes something characterized by or producing shrieks or loud cries.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'shriek' which means to cry out loudly, and remember that 'shrieky' describes something that has the quality of making those loud cries.

Visually Confused Words