crying
Americanadjective
-
demanding attention or remedy; critical; severe.
a crying evil.
-
reprehensible; odious; notorious.
a crying shame.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of crying
First recorded in 1300–50, crying is from the Middle English word cryenge. See cry, -ing 2
Vocabulary lists containing crying
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"You'll find yourself crying, very teary-eyed - but the love for him is always there, and his spirit is always there."
From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026
The movie’s most brilliant scene features old-school playthings crying, “The age of toys is over!”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026
“To have gay couples come up crying, saying thank you is incredible and it’s what you do it for. The best feeling in the world is to know that we’ve comforted someone.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2026
“I’ve been crying all day,” Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said during commemorations, capturing a sentiment echoed across multiple memorials marking the 10-year point.
From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026
I have no idea what else to say, and I’m afraid I might start crying if I try.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
