crane
any large wading bird of the family Gruidae, characterized by long legs, bill, and neck and an elevated hind toe.
(not used scientifically) any of various similar birds of other families, as the great blue heron.
Machinery. a device for lifting and moving heavy weights in suspension.
any of various similar devices, as a horizontally swinging arm by a fireplace, used for suspending pots over the fire.
Movies, Television. a vehicle having a long boom on which a camera can be mounted for taking shots from high angles.
Nautical. any of a number of supports for a boat or spare spar on the deck or at the side of a vessel.
Crane, Astronomy. the constellation Grus.
to hoist, lower, or move by or as by a crane.
to stretch (the neck) as a crane does.
to stretch out one's neck, especially to see better.
to hesitate at danger, difficulty, etc.
Origin of crane
1Other definitions for Crane (2 of 2)
(Harold) Hart, 1899–1932, U.S. poet.
Stephen, 1871–1900, U.S. novelist, poet, and short-story writer.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use crane in a sentence
He also issued a blanket vindication of crane, absolving him of any responsibility for failing to supervise his club.
Jeff Luhnow, fired as GM after sign-stealing scandal, sues Astros for $22 million | Cindy Boren | November 10, 2020 | Washington PostBut now a craning of necks and a sudden hush of the animated talk showed that some development was toward.
The Red Year | Louis TracyDrinkwater went to her side and piloted her to the armchair, amid a heavy craning-forward of her tense audience.
The Woman Gives | Owen JohnsonOf course these words from Nuthin caused a great craning of necks.
The Banner Boy Scouts on a Tour | George A. WarrenWhen I awoke the guards were crowded with passengers in a high state of excitement, pointing and craning shoreward.
The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce | Ambrose Bierce
He allowed himself to be pushed along until, by craning his neck, he could see what was the cause of the excitement.
Robert Annys: Poor Priest | Annie Nathan Meyer
British Dictionary definitions for crane (1 of 2)
/ (kreɪn) /
any large long-necked long-legged wading bird of the family Gruidae, inhabiting marshes and plains in most parts of the world except South America, New Zealand, and Indonesia: order Gruiformes: See also demoiselle (def. 1), whooping crane
(not in ornithological use) any similar bird, such as a heron
a device for lifting and moving heavy objects, typically consisting of a moving boom, beam, or gantry from which lifting gear is suspended: See also gantry
films a large trolley carrying a boom, on the end of which is mounted a camera
(tr) to lift or move (an object) by or as if by a crane
to stretch out (esp the neck), as to see over other people's heads
(intr) (of a horse) to pull up short before a jump
Origin of crane
1British Dictionary definitions for Crane (2 of 2)
/ (kreɪn) /
(Harold) Hart. 1899–1932, US poet; author of The Bridge (1930)
Stephen. 1871–1900, US novelist and short-story writer, noted particularly for his novel The Red Badge of Courage (1895)
Walter. 1845–1915, British painter, illustrator of children's books, and designer of textiles and wallpaper
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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