# Crooks

/ˈkɹʊks/ (US) · /kɹˈʊks/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

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

## Definition

dishonest people or criminals who steal or trick others. You use this word when you think someone is acting unfairly or illegally to get money.

For teachers: individuals who engage in dishonest or criminal activities, particularly theft or fraud. Often carries a tone of moral disapproval or contempt.

## Examples

- The police finally caught the crooks who stole the car.
- The investigation revealed that several high-level crooks had been embezzling funds from the charity for years.
- While the public focused on street-level theft, the real crooks were operating behind mahogany desks, manipulating the market through complex shell companies.

## Usage notes

- Plural form of 'crook'; takes a plural verb. While 'crook' can be singular, the plural form is very common when referring to a group of criminals.

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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.