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crowd

n. · v.
US //ˈkɹaʊd// UK //kɹˈaʊd// crowd
  1. 1 a large group of people (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a large number of people who have gathered together in the same place.

    a large number of people gathered together in a disorganized or close-knit body.

    Example

    A huge crowd gathered outside the stadium to wait for the band.

    Example

    The police struggled to manage the growing crowd as protesters began to spill over the barricades into the main square.
  2. 2 a specific social group (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a group of people who spend time together or share the same interests.

    a particular set or clique of people characterized by a common interest or social circle.

    Example

    I don't really hang out with the artsy crowd at school.

    Example

    He found himself alienated from the corporate crowd, preferring the company of independent entrepreneurs and freelancers.
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  1. 3 to fill a space (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to move into a space until it is full or uncomfortable.

    to fill a space by pressing or thronging together; to occupy a space in large numbers.

    Example

    Shoppers began to crowd the aisles as soon as the sale started.

    Example

    Commuters began to crowd the platform, pushing forward in anticipation of the final train of the evening.
  2. 4 to stand too close (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to stand or move too close to someone in a way that makes them uncomfortable.

    to press or stand uncomfortably close to someone, often used in the context of personal space.

    Example

    I felt like the person behind me in line was starting to crowd me.

    Example

    The defender was warned by the referee for crowding the striker before the ball was even in play.
  3. 5 nautical usage (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    to use too many sails on a boat to try and go faster.

    to carry an excessive amount of sail in an attempt to maximize speed, often at the risk of safety.

    Example

    The captain decided to crowd sail to reach the port before the storm hit.

    Example

    In a desperate bid to outrun the privateers, the merchant vessel began to crowd sail despite the rising gale.

    Usage

    Usually appears in the phrase 'to crowd sail'.

Etymology 1

From Middle English crouden, from Old English crūdan, from Proto-West Germanic krūdan, from Proto-Germanic krūdaną, kreudaną, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European grewt- (“to push; press”). Cognate with German Low German kroden (“to push, shove”), Dutch kruien (“to push, shove”).

Etymology 2

Inherited from Middle English crowde, from Welsh crwth or a Celtic cognate.

Idioms6 entries

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