Word
cram
US/ˈkɹæm/
UK/kɹˈæm/
Definitions
01to stuff or push into
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to push or force too many things into a space that is too small.
v. to force, press, or pack something into a confined space until it is full to capacity.
“He tried to cram all his clothes into one small suitcase for the trip.”
“The commuters attempted to cram themselves into the overcrowded train carriage, ignoring the warnings from the platform staff.”
02to study intensely
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
v. to study a lot of information in a very short time, usually just before a test.
v. to engage in intensive, concentrated study or memorization over a short period, typically in immediate preparation for an examination.
“I had to stay up all night to cram for my history exam.”
“Medical students often spend the final week before boards attempting to cram vast amounts of anatomical data into their long-term memory.”
03to overeat
C1 · Advanced Informal
v. to eat a large amount of food until you are completely full.
v. to consume food greedily or to the point of satiety.
“The children continued to cram sweets into their mouths throughout the party.”
“After the long hike, the group proceeded to cram themselves with every dish the local tavern had to offer.”
04a crowded state
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary
n. a situation where there are too many people or things in one place.
n. a state of being packed or crowded together; a crush of people.
“It was a real cram in the hallway during the break between classes.”
“The narrow streets of the old city were a constant cram of merchants, tourists, and stray animals.”
Usage
Often used intransitively with the preposition 'for', or transitively with the subject matter as the direct object.
Pitfall
I am cramming my exam.
I am cramming for my exam.
When referring to the test itself, use 'for'; use the direct object only for the information being memorised (e.g., 'cramming facts').
Real-World Examples
“Here, everything is crammed in, like a huge shop – the Selfridges of art.” “Some were crammed into the back of ancient farm vehicles drawn by donkeys.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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