# crook

/ˈkɹʊk/ (US) · /kɹˈʊk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crook
Updated: 2026-05-04

## Definition

a dishonest person, especially one who steals or cheats. You use this word to describe someone you do not trust with money or truth.

For teachers: a person who is dishonest, particularly one who commits fraud or theft. Often used in informal contexts to describe a swindler or thief.

## Examples

- The shop owner was a crook who sold fake goods.
- The police arrested the crook after he stole money from the safe.
- Investors lost millions when they discovered the CEO was a crook who had been hiding the company's true debts.

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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.