English Reference
noun · adjective

crescent

n. · adj.
US /ˈkɹɛsənt/ UK /kɹˈɛsənt/ cres·cent UK spelling crescent's, crescent's, crescented, crescenting

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the curved shape of the moon when it looks like a thin slice.

    n.the figure of the moon as it appears between its first or last quarter and the new moon, characterized by concave and convex edges.

    Simple

    A silver crescent of the moon hung low in the night sky.

    In context

    The thin crescent of the moon provided just enough light for the hikers to navigate the ridge without using their torches.

    full moon
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    n.a curved street, often with a row of houses built in a curve.

    n.a curved street or a terrace of houses built in a curved shape.

    Simple

    They live in a beautiful stone house on Royal Crescent.

    In context

    The city is famous for its Georgian architecture, particularly the grand crescents that overlook the public parks.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    adj.having a curved shape that is wide in the middle and pointed at the ends.

    adj.shaped like a crescent moon; having a curved, tapering form.

    Simple

    The beach was a long, crescent stretch of white sand.

    In context

    The archaeologists discovered several crescent blades made of flint, likely used for harvesting grain during the late Neolithic period.

    curvedbowedfalcate
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency LiteraryArchaic

    adj.increasing or growing, like the moon getting bigger.

    adj.marked by an increase; waxing or growing in size or power.

    Simple

    The poet wrote about the crescent light of the early morning.

    In context

    The historian described the crescent power of the empire, noting how its influence expanded rapidly across the Mediterranean.

Children will recognise the trick of turning a half-eaten pancake into a smile or a crescent moon.

The Guardian· 27 Aug 2026

He said you could feel the temperature dropping and the light getting dimmer, before what looked like a crescent moon appeared, except it was a "crescent sun".

BBC News· 13 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated