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
b : a twist or turn of speech : conceit —used especially in the phrase quips and cranks
d : a bad-tempered person : grouch
crank
verbcranked; cranking; cranks
Definition of crank (Entry 2 of 5)
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
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
adjective (1)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
adjective (2)Definition of crank (Entry 4 of 5)
crank
adjective (3)Definition of crank (Entry 5 of 5)
of a boat
: easily tipped : tender entry 1 sense 4d
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Time Traveler for crank
The first known use of crank was in the 13th century
See more words from the same century