plural cranes
1
: a big machine with a long arm that is used by builders for lifting and moving heavy things
a crane operator [=a person who operates a crane]
2
: a type of tall bird that has a long neck and long legs and lives near water
cranes; craned; craning
: to stretch out (your neck) in order to see better
We craned our necks toward the stage.
Everyone in the crowd was craning forward (to see her).
Cite this Entry
“Crane.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/crane. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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