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noun \ˈkrō\

Definition of crow

  1. 1 :  any of various large usually entirely glossy black passerine birds (family Corvidae and especially genus Corvus)

  2. 2 capitalized a :  a member of an American Indian people of the region between the Platte and Yellowstone rivers b :  the language of the Crow people

  3. 3 capitalized :  corvus

  4. 4 :  humble pie <the braggart was forced to eat crow>

as the crow flies
  1. :  in a straight line

Origin of crow

Middle English crowe, from Old English crāwe; akin to Old High German krāwa crow, Old English crāwan to crow

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with crow




Simple Definition of crow

  • : to make the loud, high sound that a rooster makes or a similar sound

  • : to talk in a way that shows too much pride about something you have done : to brag loudly or joyfully

Full Definition of crow

crowed play \ˈkrōd\ also in sense 1 chiefly British crew play \ˈkrü\ crow·ing

  1. intransitive verb
  2. 1 :  to make the loud shrill sound characteristic of a cock

  3. 2 :  to utter a sound expressive of pleasure

  4. 3 a :  to exult gloatingly especially over the distress of another b :  to brag exultantly or blatantly

  5. transitive verb
  6. :  to say with self-satisfaction

Examples of crow

  1. The cock crowed as the sun began to rise.

  2. The boy crowed with delight.

  3. The rest of us were sick of hearing her crow about her success.

Origin of crow

Middle English, from Old English crāwan

First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of crow

boast, brag, vaunt, crow mean to express pride in oneself or one's accomplishments. boast often suggests ostentation and exaggeration <boasts of every trivial success>, but it may imply a claiming with proper and justifiable pride <the town boasts one of the best museums in the area>. brag suggests crudity and artlessness in glorifying oneself <bragging of their exploits>. vaunt usually connotes more pomp and bombast than boast and less crudity or naïveté than brag <vaunted his country's military might>. crow usually implies exultant boasting or bragging <crowed after winning the championship>.




Definition of crow

  1. 1 :  the cry of the cock

  2. 2 :  a triumphant cry

13th Century

First Known Use of crow

13th century

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up crow? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).


February 9, 2016

marked by high spirits and laughter

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