# crest

/ˈkɹɛst/ (US) · /kɹˈɛst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crest
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. top of a hill or wave

noun · CEFR B2

the highest part of a hill, a mountain, or a wave.

For teachers: the summit or ridge of a mountain, hill, or wave.

- The hikers finally reached the crest of the hill and looked down at the valley.
- As the storm intensified, the white foam at the crest of each wave was whipped away by the gale-force winds.

### 2. symbol or logo

noun · CEFR B2

a special design or picture that represents a family, a school, or a sports team.

For teachers: a heraldic device or institutional emblem, often appearing on letterheads, uniforms, or shields.

- The school's crest was sewn onto the pocket of every student's blazer.
- The family crest, featuring a golden lion and two crossed swords, was prominently engraved above the manor's stone fireplace.

### 3. animal's head growth

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a growth of feathers, fur, or skin on the top of an animal's head.

For teachers: a tuft of feathers, bone, or skin on the head of a bird or other animal.

- The male bird has a bright red crest that it shows off to attract a mate.
- The cockatoo raised its yellow crest in a display of agitation when the researchers approached the enclosure.

### 4. to reach the top

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to reach the highest point of a hill or a wave.

For teachers: to reach the summit of a topographical feature or the highest level of a rising liquid.

- The river is expected to crest tomorrow morning before the water level starts to drop.
- Just as the sun began to crest the horizon, the lead climbers touched the final ridge of the massif.

## Examples

- The surfers waited for the crest of the wave.
- We finally reached the crest of the hill and looked down at the valley below.
- The family crest was engraved on the silver signet ring, representing a lineage that stretched back several centuries.

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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.