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crew

n. · v.
US //ˈkɹu// UK //kɹˈuː// crew
  1. 1 working group (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a group of people who work together on a ship, aircraft, or a film set.

    the group of people who work on and operate a ship, aircraft, or spacecraft, or the technical staff of a film or play.

    Example

    The captain thanked the crew for their hard work during the long flight.

    Example

    The film crew spent three weeks on location in the desert, enduring harsh conditions to capture the necessary footage for the opening sequence.
  2. 2 group of friends (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Slang

    a group of friends who spend a lot of time together.

    a social circle or group of associates, often used to imply a strong sense of loyalty or shared identity.

    Example

    I'm heading to the cinema with my whole crew tonight.

    Example

    He showed up at the party with his usual crew, a tight-knit group of artists and musicians he had known since university.
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  1. 3 rowing sport (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Sport

    the sport of racing in long, narrow boats using oars.

    the sport of competitive rowing, particularly at the collegiate level in the United States.

    Example

    She joined the university crew team and practices on the river every morning.

    Example

    The annual crew race between the two rival universities attracts thousands of spectators to the riverbanks each spring.
  2. 4 to work as a member (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Nautical

    to work as a member of a crew on a boat or plane.

    to serve as a member of a crew; often used with 'on' or 'for'.

    Example

    He spent the summer crewing on a large yacht in the Mediterranean.

    Example

    After years of training, she was finally invited to crew for one of the most prestigious racing teams in the international circuit.

    Usage

    Often used as an intransitive verb followed by a prepositional phrase.
Etymology 1

From Middle English crue, from Old French creue (“an increase, recruit, military reinforcement”), the feminine past participle of creistre (“grow”), from Latin crescere (“to arise, grow”).

Etymology 2

Probably of Brythonic origin. Compare Middle Welsh creu (“pigsty, hovel, stockade”).

Idioms1 entry

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