carrion crow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Literary, formal, biological/ornithological
Quick answer
What does “carrion crow” mean?
A common, entirely black European crow (Corvus corone) that often feeds on dead animal flesh.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common, entirely black European crow (Corvus corone) that often feeds on dead animal flesh.
A metaphor for an opportunistic, predatory, or morally unscrupulous person who benefits from the misfortune or demise of others.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, it is a standard name for the specific species Corvus corone. In North America, the term is less common as the species is not native; it may be used metaphorically or to describe similar behavior in local corvids.
Connotations
Similar metaphorical connotations in both dialects, but literal use is primarily British/European.
Frequency
Much higher frequency in UK English due to the bird's presence. In US English, it is almost exclusively literary or metaphorical.
Grammar
How to Use “carrion crow” in a Sentence
The [carrion crow] [verb: feeds, circles, caws] [prep: on, over] the [noun: carcass, remains, battlefield].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “carrion crow” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The journalists were accused of carrion-crowing over the politician's scandal.
American English
- Speculators began to carrion-crow around the foreclosed properties.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically for corporate raiders or investors preying on failing companies: 'The hedge funds descended like carrion crows on the bankrupt firm.'
Academic
Used in ecology/zoology texts describing scavenger species and their roles in ecosystems.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used in descriptive writing or to vividly insult someone exploiting a tragedy.
Technical
Ornithological classification and behavioral studies of the Corvus corone species.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “carrion crow”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “carrion crow”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “carrion crow”
- Using 'carrion crow' for a vulture (different family of birds). Using it as a general term for any crow. Spelling error: 'carion crow' or 'carrian crow'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. They are different species within the Corvus genus. Ravens (Corvus corax) are significantly larger, have a wedge-shaped tail and a deeper call.
Yes, effectively. Calling someone a carrion crow implies they are a vile opportunist who benefits from death or misfortune.
Primarily in western Europe and parts of eastern Asia. They are not native to the Americas.
They are closely related. The carrion crow is all black, while the hooded crow (Corvus cornix) has a grey body with black head, wings, and tail. Their ranges overlap in some regions.
A common, entirely black European crow (Corvus corone) that often feeds on dead animal flesh.
Carrion crow is usually literary, formal, biological/ornithological in register.
Carrion crow: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæ.ri.ən ˌkrəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæ.ri.ən ˌkroʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[To circle/wait] like a carrion crow (to hover expectantly around something failing or dying).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CARRY ON eating dead things' – a crow that carries on feeding on carrion.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEATH/FAILURE IS A CORPSE; OPPORTUNISTIC PEOPLE ARE SCAVENGING BIRDS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary behavioural trait of a carrion crow that inspires its metaphorical use?