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Definitions

crank

[krangk] / kræŋk /
NOUN
a device for revolving a shaft
Synonyms


NOUN
a person with an obsession
Synonyms
NOUN
an ill-natured person
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Subtitled “An Almost History of America” and arriving on the eve of the nation’s semiquincentennial, this seven-episode sketch comedy comes from Larry David, television’s great luckless crank, and Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026

The piston rotates a crank shaft, creating movement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

That’s largely because of how high Gabriela was able to crank up the heat from the jump Sunday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 5, 2026

If electricity fails, the bunker's ventilation system can be operated manually using a hand crank — much like in vintage cars.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

I turn on the one next to her, crank it to almost scalding, and squeeze some shampoo from the dispenser into my hand.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam




Vocabulary lists containing crank


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