Definition of crate
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : an open box of wooden slats or a usually wooden protective case or framework for shipping
a packing crate a crate of oranges The barn was fuller of furnishings than the house, with barrels and tubs and crates and sacks piled on top of one another …— Eudora Weltz
2 : a usually box-shaped container or cage that has openings for airflow and that is used for confining or carrying animals (such as dogs or cats)
The store carries a variety of pet crates. Teach children to let resting dogs lie and to stay out of dog crates, beds and other resting places that are designated for the dog.— John Elder
3 informal + somewhat old-fashioned : a dilapidated old car or airplane
George Bernard's most immediate concern is not the war, but his failing car battery. He can hardly get his old crate cranked up, and a new battery costs $300 …— Phil McCombs From Blake: "I am not sure this crate will fly. Dump everything out." … In our compartment Doug yanks up his bombing sight, opens the floor hatch and tosses it.— Williamson Murray
crate
verbcrated; crating; crates
Definition of crate (Entry 2 of 2)
: to pack or place in a crate
crating items for shipping Of course the ideal answer would seem to be to crate the dog. But with so many cars now being overly small, there may be no way to get a crate into a vehicle.— Eleanor Price
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Time Traveler for crate
The first known use of crate was in 1738
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