# crescent

/ˈkɹɛsənt/ (US) · /kɹˈɛsənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crescent
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the moon's shape

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- A silver crescent of the moon hung low in the night sky.
- The thin crescent of the moon provided just enough light for the hikers to navigate the ridge without using their torches.

### 2. a curved street

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

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

For teachers: a curved street or a terrace of houses built in a curved shape.

- They live in a beautiful stone house on Royal Crescent.
- The city is famous for its Georgian architecture, particularly the grand crescents that overlook the public parks.

### 3. curved shape

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: shaped like a crescent moon; having a curved, tapering form.

- The beach was a long, crescent stretch of white sand.
- The archaeologists discovered several crescent blades made of flint, likely used for harvesting grain during the late Neolithic period.

### 4. growing

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

increasing or growing, like the moon getting bigger.

For teachers: marked by an increase; waxing or growing in size or power.

- The poet wrote about the crescent light of the early morning.
- The historian described the crescent power of the empire, noting how its influence expanded rapidly across the Mediterranean.

## Examples

- The moon was a thin crescent in the night sky.
- The baker carefully shaped the dough into a crescent before placing it in the oven.
- The national flag prominently features a white crescent and star against a deep red background, symbols deeply rooted in the region's historical identity.

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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.