QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of crank
1First recorded before 1000; Middle English crank, cronk, Old English cranc-, in crancstæf, a kind of weaver's tool (see staff1)
OTHER WORDS FROM crank
crankless, adjectivenon·crank·ing, adjectiveun·cranked, adjectiveWords nearby crank
Other definitions for crank (2 of 3)
crank2
[ krangk ]
/ kræŋk /
adjective Nautical.
noun
a crank vessel.
Origin of crank
2First recorded in 1690–1700; probably to be identified with crank1, but sense development unclear; see also crank-sided
Other definitions for crank (3 of 3)
Origin of crank
3First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English cranke; of obscure origin
OTHER WORDS FROM crank
crankly, adverbcrankness, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use crank in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for crank (1 of 2)
crank1
/ (kræŋk) /
noun
a device for communicating motion or for converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion or vice versa. It consists of an arm projecting from a shaft, often with a second member attached to it parallel to the shaft
Also called: crank handle, starting handle a handle incorporating a crank, used to start an engine or motor
informal
- an eccentric or odd person, esp someone who stubbornly maintains unusual views
- US and Canadian a bad-tempered person
verb
See also crank up
Word Origin for crank
Old English cranc; related to Middle Low German krunke wrinkle, Dutch krinkel crinkle
British Dictionary definitions for crank (2 of 2)
crank2
cranky
/ (kræŋk) /
adjective
(of a sailing vessel) easily keeled over by the wind; tender
Word Origin for crank
C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to crank 1
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