English Reference
noun

crawling

n.
US /ˈkɹɔɫɪŋ/ UK /kɹˈɔːlɪŋ/ crawl·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the way a baby or animal moves along the ground using their hands and knees.

    the physical act of locomotion on hands and knees, typical of human infants or certain animals.

    Simple

    The baby is finally crawling across the living room floor to reach her toys.

    In context

    Crawling represents a significant developmental milestone for infants, as it requires the coordination of limbs and the strengthening of core muscles.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    moving very slowly, like cars in heavy traffic.

    a slow, steady, or laborious rate of progress, often used to describe traffic or mechanical movement.

    Simple

    The traffic was crawling along the motorway because of the roadworks.

    In context

    The morning commute was reduced to a slow crawling pace after a minor collision blocked two lanes of the main bridge.

    creepinginching
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated