# cram

/ˈkɹæm/ (US) · /kɹˈæm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cram
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to stuff or push into

verb · CEFR B2

to push or force too many things into a space that is too small.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'into'.

### 2. to study intensely

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to study a lot of information in a very short time, usually just before a test.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Commonly used as an intransitive verb followed by 'for'.

### 3. to overeat

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to eat a large amount of food until you are completely full.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. a crowded state

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a situation where there are too many people or things in one place.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I have to cram for my history test tomorrow.
- Instead of reviewing the material throughout the semester, he spent the entire weekend trying to cram for the final exam.
- While some students believe they can successfully cram the night before a presentation, research suggests that spaced repetition is far more effective for long-term retention of complex concepts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.