English Reference
verb · noun

cry

v. · n.
US /ˈkɹaɪ/ UK /kɹˈaɪ/ cry UK spelling cried, cries

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    v.to produce tears from your eyes because you are sad, angry, or in pain.

    v.to shed tears as an expression of distress, pain, or sorrow. Intransitive in this primary sense.

    Simple

    The little boy started to cry when he fell off his bicycle in the park.

    In context

    She didn't want to cry in front of her colleagues, so she waited until she reached the privacy of her car to let the tears fall.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    n.a period of time spent crying.

    n.a spell or fit of weeping.

    Simple

    Sometimes a good cry makes you feel much better when you are stressed.

    In context

    After receiving the news, she went upstairs for a long cry, emerging an hour later looking exhausted but calm.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    n.a loud shout or a sudden sound made by an animal.

    n.a loud vocal sound, either human or animal, expressing a specific emotion or signal.

    Simple

    We heard a loud cry for help coming from the woods behind the house.

    In context

    The haunting cry of a lone wolf echoed through the valley, startling the hikers who were setting up their camp.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a strong or desperate request for help or attention.

    n.a desperate or urgent appeal for assistance or public attention.

    Simple

    The charity's advertisement was a cry for help for the victims of the flood.

    In context

    The protest was seen by many as a desperate cry for justice in a system that had ignored the community for decades.

She said she ran downstairs "shaking, crying and begging for help", adding: "I thought someone would protect me." Instead, she was offered another room in the hotel.

BBC News· 20 Aug 2026

I could have cried during my last shift.

BBC News· 6 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated