crow
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a large, intelligent black bird that makes a loud, harsh 'caw' sound.
n.a large black bird of the genus Corvus, characterised by a strong beak and a distinctive harsh call.
Simple“A large black crow sat on the fence and watched the garden.”
In context“The crow is widely regarded by biologists as one of the most intelligent avian species, capable of complex problem-solving and tool use.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a member of a Native American tribe from the Montana area of the United States.
n.a member of a Siouan-speaking Native American people historically inhabiting the Yellowstone River valley.
Simple“The Crow people have a rich history of storytelling and art in Montana.”
In context“The Crow Nation maintains a sovereign government and continues to preserve its linguistic heritage through dedicated educational programmes.”
Synonymsapsáalooke - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the loud, sharp sound a rooster makes, usually early in the morning.
n.the shrill, characteristic cry of a cock or rooster.
Simple“We woke up at dawn to the loud crow of the rooster.”
In context“The distant crow of a cockerel was the only sound breaking the silence of the rural valley at daybreak.”
Synonymscock a doodle doo - 04 C1 Advanced
v.to talk very proudly about something you have done, often in an annoying way.
v.to express great pride or triumph, especially in a scornful or boastful manner.
Simple“He wouldn't stop crowing about his promotion to everyone in the office.”
In context“The rival team continued to crow over their unexpected victory long after the tournament had concluded.”
Usageusually followed by the preposition 'over' or 'about'
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.when a rooster makes its loud morning sound.
v.to utter the characteristic cry of a cock.
Simple“The rooster crowed as soon as the sun began to rise.”
In context“In the distance, a lone rooster crowed, signalling the start of the working day for the villagers.”
- 06 C2 Proficiency
n.a heavy iron bar used to pull things apart or lift heavy objects.
n.a heavy iron lever with a bent end, frequently used for prying or forced entry.
Simple“He used a crow to pry the lid off the wooden crate.”
In context“The workmen employed a heavy iron crow to shift the stone slab from the foundation.”
Teacher's tipIn modern everyday English, the full word 'crowbar' is much more common than just 'crow'.
From French gens de corbeaux, calque of Dakota apsáaloke (“crow people”). Compare Crow Apsáalooke.
* From Middle English Crowe, as an Old English surname, related to crow. * As an Irish surname, from mac Conchradha. See McEnroe. * Also as an Irish surname, calque of Irish fiach (“crow, raven”) (see also Fee).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.