crane

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a large bird with very long legs and a long neck.

n. any bird of the family Gruidae, characterized by long legs and a long neck which remains extended during flight.

“We saw a beautiful white crane standing perfectly still in the shallow water.”

“The conservation group is working to protect the wetlands that serve as vital breeding grounds for the endangered whooping crane.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to stretch your neck in order to see something better.

v. to stretch out one's neck, typically in order to see something more clearly or over an obstacle.

“Everyone in the crowd had to crane their necks to see the parade passing by.”

“Spectators at the back of the gallery craned their necks, desperate to catch a glimpse of the artist as she entered the room.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical

n. a metal arm or bracket used on a ship to support equipment.

n. a forked post or projecting bracket used to support spars or other equipment on a vessel.

“The sailors secured the spare mast onto the iron cranes on the deck.”

“The vessel was equipped with heavy-duty cranes designed to support the weight of the lifeboats during emergency deployment.”