To croak means to make a low, rough sound in your throat, like the deep ribbit of a bullfrog sitting by a pond at night. Frogs and toads are famous for their croaking, especially during mating season when male frogs croak to attract females. Ravens and crows also croak, making harsh, raspy calls that sound completely different from songbirds.

When a person croaks, their voice sounds hoarse and scratchy, often because they're sick with a sore throat or have been talking too much. You might wake up with a cold and croak out “good morning” in a voice that sounds like a frog's. People can also croak when they're extremely tired or their voice is strained from cheering at a game.