# crowbar

/ˈkɹoʊˌbɑɹ/ (US) · /kɹˈəʊbɑː/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crowbar
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a long, heavy metal tool with a curved end. You use it to pry things open, like a stuck door or a heavy lid.

For teachers: a long, heavy metal bar with a curved or hooked end, used for prying objects apart or lifting heavy weights.

## Examples

- He used a crowbar to open the heavy wooden crate.
- The firefighters used a crowbar to break the door open after the hinges became stuck during the rescue.
- While modern tools offer more precision, the crowbar remains an essential piece of equipment for any construction worker dealing with heavy timber or stubborn structural barriers.

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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.