# crow

/ˈkɹoʊ/ (US) · /kɹˈəʊ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. the bird

noun · CEFR A2

a large, intelligent black bird that makes a loud, harsh 'caw' sound.

For teachers: a large black bird of the genus Corvus, characterised by a strong beak and a distinctive harsh call.

- A large black crow sat on the fence and watched the garden.
- The crow is widely regarded by biologists as one of the most intelligent avian species, capable of complex problem-solving and tool use.

### 2. Native American people

noun · CEFR B2

a member of a Native American tribe from the Montana area of the United States.

For teachers: a member of a Siouan-speaking Native American people historically inhabiting the Yellowstone River valley.

- The Crow people have a rich history of storytelling and art in Montana.
- The Crow Nation maintains a sovereign government and continues to preserve its linguistic heritage through dedicated educational programmes.

### 3. rooster's cry

noun · CEFR B2

the loud, sharp sound a rooster makes, usually early in the morning.

For teachers: the shrill, characteristic cry of a cock or rooster.

- We woke up at dawn to the loud crow of the rooster.
- The distant crow of a cockerel was the only sound breaking the silence of the rural valley at daybreak.

### 4. to brag

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to talk very proudly about something you have done, often in an annoying way.

For teachers: to express great pride or triumph, especially in a scornful or boastful manner.

- He wouldn't stop crowing about his promotion to everyone in the office.
- The rival team continued to crow over their unexpected victory long after the tournament had concluded.

Usage: usually followed by the preposition 'over' or 'about'

### 5. to make a rooster sound

verb · CEFR B2

when a rooster makes its loud morning sound.

For teachers: to utter the characteristic cry of a cock.

- The rooster crowed as soon as the sun began to rise.
- In the distance, a lone rooster crowed, signalling the start of the working day for the villagers.

### 6. a tool

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a heavy iron bar used to pull things apart or lift heavy objects.

For teachers: a heavy iron lever with a bent end, frequently used for prying or forced entry.

- He used a crow to pry the lid off the wooden crate.
- The workmen employed a heavy iron crow to shift the stone slab from the foundation.

Teaching tip: In modern everyday English, the full word 'crowbar' is much more common than just 'crow'.

## Examples

- A large black crow sat on the garden fence.
- The farmer put up a scarecrow to stop the crows from eating the newly planted corn.
- Ornithologists have observed crows using tools and solving multi-step puzzles, suggesting a level of cognitive ability comparable to that of some primates.

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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.