crutch

play

noun \ˈkrəch\

Definition of crutch

1a : a support typically fitting under the armpit for use by the disabled in walkingb : prop, stay
2 : a forked leg rest constituting the pommel of a sidesaddle
3 : the crotch of a human being or an animal
4 : a forked support

See crutch defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of crutch from the Web

Said, who was on crutches after losing his right leg to a grenade explosion in 1993, was shot in his good leg while fighting off the men.

— julie watson, The Christian Science Monitor, "Last refugees arriving in US before enforcement of new travel ban," 7 July 2017
Arora, who injured her leg during the fitness segment of Friday night's preliminaries, appeared onstage on crutches.

— michelle matthews, AL.com, "Skye Bork of District of Columbia named Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2017," 1 July 2017
Gabe was born with severe leg deformities and is unable to walk without the assistance of crutches and/or prosthetic legs.

— mark price, charlotteobserver, "Video of boy without legs pitching ball for Myrtle Beach Pelicans thrills fans," 23 June 2017
Broncos OLB Shaq Barrett eager to get off crutches and back on the field.

— nicki jhabvala, The Denver Post, "Ed McCaffrey brings out SB champs for Dare to Play camp; Shaq Barrett injury update," 17 June 2017
Bailey was spotted Friday in the Capitol, on crutches and out of uniform, accepting congratulations from fellow officers.

— Washington Post, "Scalise upgraded from ‘critical’ to ‘serious’ condition," 17 June 2017
His aide, Zack Barth, who was shot by the Virginia assailant, walked across the field on crutches.

— peter grier, The Christian Science Monitor, "Congress comes together over that all-American sport: baseball," 16 June 2017
Bailey, in crutches, appeared at Thursday’s congressional charity baseball game to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

— pete williams, NBC News, "Congressional Baseball Gunman Had List of GOP Lawmakers’ Names," 16 June 2017
Major League Baseball executive Joe Torre presented the game ball to special agent David J. Bailey, who walked onto the field on crutches to loud applause before throwing the first pitch -- while putting most of his weight on his left foot.

— pete grieve, CNN, "Injured Capitol Police officer throws out first pitch in emotional moment," 15 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'crutch.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of crutch

Middle English crucche, from Old English crycc; akin to Old High German krucka crutch

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

crutch

verb

Definition of crutch

transitive verb
: to support on crutches : prop up

First Known Use of crutch

1609

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CRUTCH Defined for English Language Learners

crutch

play

noun

Definition of crutch for English Language Learners

: a long stick with a padded piece at the top that fits under a person's arm
: something that a person uses too much for help or support

CRUTCH Defined for Kids

crutch

play

noun \ˈkrəch\

Definition of crutch for Students

1 : a long stick usually made with a piece at the top to fit under the armpit that is used as an aid in walking
2 : something that a person depends on to help deal with problems The child uses his blanket as a crutch to feel more secure.