crude

play

adjective \ˈkrüd\

Definition of crude

cruder

;

crudest

1 : existing in a natural state and unaltered by cooking or processing crude oil crude ore
2 archaic : unripe, immature
3 : marked by the primitive, gross, or elemental or by uncultivated simplicity or vulgarity a crude stereotype crude tools crude jokes
4 : rough or inexpert in plan or execution a crude shelter
5 : lacking a covering, glossing, or concealing element : obvious crude facts
6 : tabulated without being broken down into classes the crude death rate

crudely

adverb

crudeness

noun

See crude defined for English-language learners

See crude defined for kids

Examples of crude in a Sentence

They built a crude shelter out of branches.
a crude summary of the country's history
She first described the procedure in crude terms, and then went into more detail.

Origin and Etymology of crude

Middle English, from Latin crudus raw, crude, undigested — more at raw

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First Known Use: 14th century

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Synonym Discussion of crude

rude, rough, crude, raw mean lacking in social refinement. rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy. rude behavior rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness. rough manners crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive. a crude joke raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished. turning raw youths into polished performers

crude

noun

Definition of crude

: a substance in its natural unprocessed state; especially : unrefined petroleum

See crude defined for English-language learners

Origin and Etymology of crude

see ¹crude

NEW!

First Known Use: circa 1904

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CRUDE Defined for English Language Learners

crude

play

adjective

Definition of crude for English Language Learners

: very simple and basic : made or done in a way that does not show a lot of skill
: rude in a way that makes people uncomfortable; especially : talking about sexual matters in a rude way
: very simple and basic in a way that is true but not complete

crude

noun

Definition of crude for English Language Learners

: oil as it exists in the ground : petroleum that is not yet ready to be used as fuel

CRUDE Defined for Kids

crude

play

adjective \ˈkrüd\

Definition of crude for Students

cruder

;

crudest

1 : in a natural state and not changed by special treatment : raw crude oil crude sugar
2 : planned or done in a rough or unskilled way a crude drawing
3 : not having or showing good manners : vulgar crude language