crank

\ ˈkraŋk

How to pronounce crank (audio)

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Definition of crank

(Entry 1 of 5)

1 : a bent part of an axle or shaft or an arm keyed at right angles to the end of a shaft by which circular motion is imparted to or received from the shaft or by which reciprocating motion is changed into circular motion or vice versa

2a archaic : bend

b : a twist or turn of speech : conceit —used especially in the phrase quips and cranks

c(1) : caprice, crotchet

(2) : an annoyingly eccentric person also : one who is overly enthusiastic about a particular subject or activity

d : a bad-tempered person : grouch

3 : crystal meth specifically : an impure form of crystal meth

crank

cranked; cranking; cranks

Definition of crank (Entry 2 of 5)

intransitive verb

1 : to move with a winding course : zigzag

2a : to turn a crank

b : to get started by or as if by the turning of a crank

c : to gain speed, momentum, or intensity —usually used with upthe campaign is cranking up

transitive verb

1 : to move or operate by or as if by a crank crank the window down

2a : to cause to start crank an automobile

b : to rotate the shaft (such as a crankshaft) of especially with a starter crank over an engine

c : to use in trying to start an engine crank the starter

3a : to start as if by use of a crank —usually used with upshe cranked up the air conditioner

b : turn up sense 2 —usually used with upcrank up the volume

crank

Definition of crank (Entry 3 of 5)

: of, relating to, or being a bad-tempered or annoyingly eccentric person also : made or sent by such a person or by someone intending to be an annoyance or to cause harm crank calls a crank letter

crank

Definition of crank (Entry 4 of 5)

1 chiefly dialectal : merry, high-spirited

2 chiefly dialectal : cocky, confident

crank

Definition of crank (Entry 5 of 5)

of a boat

: easily tipped : tender entry 1 sense 4d

Other Words from crank Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about crank

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Dictionary Entries near crank

craniotopography

Statistics for crank

Cite this Entry

“Crank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crank. Accessed 20 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for crank

crank

noun

English Language Learners Definition of crank

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a machine part with a handle that can be turned in a circular motion to move something

: a person who has strange ideas or thinks too much about one thing

US : a person who is often angry or easily annoyed

crank

verb

English Language Learners Definition of crank (Entry 2 of 2)

: to move (something) by turning a crank

informal : to increase (something) especially by a large amount

: to start or try to start (an engine) by using a crank or some other method to get it moving

See the full definition for crank in the English Language Learners Dictionary

crank

\ ˈkraŋk

\

Kids Definition of crank

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a bent part with a handle that is turned to start or run machinery

2 : a person with strange ideas

3 : a cross or irritable person

crank

cranked; cranking

Kids Definition of crank (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to start or run by or as if by turning a part with a handle

2 : to make or become greater in speed or intensity crank the volume

crank out

: to produce quickly and often carelessly You can't just crank out a good book.

crank

\ ˈkraŋk

\

Medical Definition of crank

: crystal meth specifically : an impure form of crystal meth

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