crying

adjective

cry·​ing ˈkrī-iŋ How to pronounce crying (audio)
Synonyms of cryingnext
1
: calling for notice
a crying need
2
: notorious, heinous
a crying shame

Examples of crying in a Sentence

a crying need for more activities for young people in this town

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crying was circa 1605

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Cite this Entry

“Crying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crying. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

crying

adjective
cry·​ing ˈkrī-iŋ How to pronounce crying (audio)
1
: calling for attention and correction
a crying need
2
: notorious
a crying shame

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