Jump to:

• crook
  crook

  noun

  a bent or curved implement, piece, appendage, etc.; hook.
• Crook
  Crook

  noun

  George, 1829–90, U.S. general in Indian wars.

crook

¹ American  

[krook] / krʊk /

noun

1. a bent or curved implement, piece, appendage, etc.; hook.

2. the hooked part of anything.

3. an instrument or implement having a bent or curved part, as a shepherd's staff hooked at one end or the crosier of a bishop or abbot.

4. a dishonest person, especially a sharper, swindler, or thief.

5. a bend, turn, or curve.

   a crook in the road.

6. the act of crooking or bending.

7. a pothook.

8. Also called shank.  a device on some musical wind instruments for changing the pitch, consisting of a piece of tubing inserted into the main tube.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to bend; curve; make a crook in.

   He crooked a finger to get the waitperson's attention.

2. Slang. to steal, cheat, or swindle.

   She crooked a ring from that shop.

verb (used without object)

1. to bend; curve.

   My little toe crooks to the side.

crook ² American  

[krook] / krʊk /

adjective

Australian.

1. sick or feeble.

2. ill-humored; angry.

3. out of order; functioning improperly.

4. unsatisfactory; disappointing.

---

Crook ³ American  

[krook] / krʊk /

noun

1. George, 1829–90, U.S. general in Indian wars.

---

crook British  

/ krʊk /

noun

1. a curved or hooked thing

2. a staff with a hooked end, such as a bishop's crosier or shepherd's staff

3. a turn or curve; bend

4. informal a dishonest person, esp a swindler or thief

5. the act or an instance of crooking or bending

6. Also called: shank.  a piece of tubing added to a brass instrument in order to obtain a lower harmonic series

---

verb

1. to bend or curve or cause to bend or curve

adjective

1. informal

   1. ill

   2. of poor quality

   3. unpleasant; bad

2. informal to lose one's temper

3. informal to rebuke or upbraid

crook Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing crook

• by hook or crook

---

Etymology

Origin of crook¹

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English crok, crouk, from Old Norse krōkr “hook, barb, corner”

Origin of crook²

First recorded in 1875–80; perhaps alteration of cronk

Explanation

A crook is long staff that’s bent at one end, like something you might see a shepherd carrying. A crook can also be a criminal — a person who’s dishonest, or bent, just like the staff. The noun crook entered English in the 13th century as a way to describe the long tool with a hook at one end. It later took on the meaning of “petty criminal.” You can use crook as an informal way to describe someone who is dishonest. A crook is typically involved in minor or nonviolent crimes; you wouldn’t use the word to describe a murderer, for example. A con man or someone committing fraud could be called a crook.

Example Sentences

And though the high gloss may be an act given Gaston’s actual vocation, Marshall plays the part as if the crook himself believes the masquerade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

It was late, and the store was out of disposable bags, so I tucked some of the loot into my dance bag and cradled the rest in the crook of my arm.

From Salon • Jan. 1, 2026

The picture, taken by Millie Pilkington, shows the King at his Sandringham estate in Norfolk, holding a shepherd's crook.

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2025

Hemlock is a small town located in the crook of the Michigan mitten, between the thumb and the fingers.

From Barron's • Nov. 7, 2025

She walked past her mother and into the living room, still carrying Ulysses in the crook of her arm.

From "Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures" by Kate DiCamillo

Related Words

• racketeer
• robber
• rogue
• scoundrel
• swindler
• villain