VocabDictionary

crawl

/krɔːl/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To move forward on the hands and knees or by dragging the body along the ground.

Example Sentences:
  • The baby is just starting to crawl across the living room rug.
  • The injured soldier had to crawl through the mud to safety.
2.verb

To move very slowly.

Example Sentences:
  • Traffic began to crawl during the afternoon rush hour.
  • The hours seemed to crawl by while she waited for the test results.
3.noun

A very slow rate of movement.

Example Sentences:
  • Traffic was reduced to a crawl after the accident on the highway.
  • Progress on the new bridge has slowed to a crawl.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “crawl”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Originates from late Middle English (in the sense 'creep, crawl'): probably of Scandinavian origin, akin to Old Norse krafla 'to claw, crawl', related to Old High German krebalon.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Imagine a tiny CRAB trying to walk on the wall, it has to CRAWL slowly.

Rhyming Words

Frequently Asked Questions About “crawl

1. What is the meaning of “crawl” in English?

In English, crawl (verb) is defined as: “To move forward on the hands and knees or by dragging the body along the ground.”.

2. How do you use “crawl” in a sentence?

The baby is just starting to crawl across the living room rug.

3. What are English synonyms of “crawl”?

Common synonyms include:creep,inch,slug,worm

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “crawl”?

Originates from late Middle English (in the sense 'creep, crawl'): probably of Scandinavian origin, akin to Old Norse krafla 'to claw, crawl', related to Old High German krebalon.