crow

¹crow

noun \ˈkrō\

Definition of CROW

1

: any of various large usually entirely glossy black passerine birds (family Corvidae and especially genus Corvus)

2

capitalized

a : a member of an American Indian people of the region between the Platte and Yellowstone rivers

b : the language of the Crow people

3

capitalized : corvus

4

: humble pie <the braggart was forced to eat crow>

— as the crow flies

: in a straight line

Origin of CROW

Middle English crowe, from Old English crāwe; akin to Old High German krāwa crow, Old English crāwan to crow

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Birds Terms

aerie, bunting, clutch, covey, hackle, ratite, rictus, ruff, skein, zygodactyl

Rhymes with CROW

beau, blow, bow, bro, Chou, do, doe, dough, floe, flow, foe, fro, froe, glow, go, grow, ho, hoe, jo, Jo, joe, know, lo, low, mho, mot, mow, no, No, O, oh, owe, Poe, pow, pro, rho, roe, row, Rowe, schmo, sew, show, sloe, slow, snow, so, sow, stow, Stowe, strow, though, throe, throw, toe, tow, trow, whoa, woe, yo

²crow

verb

crowed \ˈkrōd\ also in sense 1 chiefly British crew \ˈkrü\ crow·ing

Definition of CROW

intransitive verb

1

: to make the loud shrill sound characteristic of a cock

2

: to utter a sound expressive of pleasure

3

a : to exult gloatingly especially over the distress of another

b : to brag exultantly or blatantly

transitive verb

: to say with self-satisfaction

Examples of CROW

1. The cock crowed as the sun began to rise.
2. The boy crowed with delight.
3. The rest of us were sick of hearing her crow about her success.

Origin of CROW

Middle English, from Old English crāwan

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to CROW

Synonyms

exult, delight, exuberate, glory, jubilate, joy, kvell, rejoice, triumph

Related Words

gloat, preen, swell; boast, brag; flaunt, parade, show off, strut, swagger

Near Antonyms

bemoan, bewail, grieve, lament, regret, weep

See Synonym Discussion at boast

³crow

noun

Definition of CROW

1

: the cry of the cock

2

: a triumphant cry

First Known Use of CROW

13th century

crow

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Carrion crow (Corvus corone corone).—Eric Hosking

Any of more than 20 species of black perching birds (see passerine) of the genus Corvus (family Corvidae) that are smaller than most ravens and have a thinner bill. They are named for the sound of their call. Common crows are found in North America and Eurasia. They eat grain, berries, insects, carrion, and the eggs of other birds. Crows may damage grain crops, but they also eat many economically harmful insects. At times tens of thousands roost together, but most species do not nest in colonies. Crows are considered the most intelligent of all birds (tool use is documented), and pet crows can be taught to imitate speech.