What does shrieker mean?
A shrieker is a person who produces a loud, high-pitched cry, often from fear, pain, surprise, or excitement. The word is especially useful when the emphasis is on the person's identity or role rather than simply on the sound being made: someone may be described as a terrified shrieker, a persistent shrieker, or the shrieker in a crowded or dramatic scene. It is related to the verb “shriek,” but carries a somewhat more specific and vivid association with a sudden, piercing cry. In figurative contexts, it can suggest someone who reacts dramatically or loudly to a situation. The term is less formal than descriptions such as “person who screamed,” but it is broadly understood in both British and American English.
nounA person who shrieks, especially someone who cries out loudly or in alarm, pain, or excitement.
- A person who makes a loud, high-pitched cry or scream.
"The child shrieked, and the shrieker immediately attracted the attention of everyone nearby."
"The shrill shrieker disappeared into the crowd before anyone could identify them."
"Police questioned the shrieker after the disturbance in the theatre."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"Several shriekers were heard in the passage after the accident."
A single shriek can command attention faster than an entire sentence: one sharp cry turns a crowd into witnesses.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shrieker come from?
The word derives from the verb “shriek,” which is probably imitative in origin, reproducing the sound of a high-pitched cry. The noun “shrieker” developed from that verb to denote a person who shrieks. Related forms include the adverb “shriekingly” and the adjective “shrieful,” both preserving the same expressive root.
Related word forms
How shrieker is actually used
Usually describes a person who cries out loudly because of fear, pain, surprise, or excitement. It can also refer more generally to someone who frequently makes shrill noises.
Easily confused with shrieker
A screamer is someone who screams continuously or habitually, whereas a shrieker more often refers to a person who makes a sudden, high-pitched cry of fear, pain, or surprise.