crank: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Technical (mechanical)
Quick answer
What does “crank” mean?
A mechanical device or part with an arm that can be turned to change circular motion into reciprocating motion or vice versa, e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mechanical device or part with an arm that can be turned to change circular motion into reciprocating motion or vice versa, e.g., a handle on an engine or machine.
An eccentric, irritable, or obsessive person; also, an idea or theory seen as strange or impractical; in informal use, to increase intensity or effort.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meanings. The slang phrase 'crank call' (prank call) is more common in AmE. The verb phrase 'crank up' (to increase intensity/volume) is used in both, but AmE might use it slightly more in automotive/technical contexts.
Connotations
In both, calling someone a 'crank' is derogatory, implying stubbornness and odd obsessions. The term is slightly less harsh than 'lunatic' but more specific than 'eccentric'.
Frequency
Both the noun (person) and verb ('crank up') are common in everyday informal speech. The mechanical noun is less frequent in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “crank” in a Sentence
[N] crank (up) [N][V] to crank [N] (e.g., the engine)[Adj] a [Adj] crank (e.g., miserable, fitness)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crank” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You'll need to crank the engine by hand to get it started.
- The DJ cranked up the bass.
American English
- Crank the window down, it's hot in here.
- We need to crank out these widgets by Friday.
adverb
British English
- N/A (no standard adverbial use)
American English
- N/A (no standard adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- He's a bit of a crank caller, always ringing with silly jokes. (less common)
American English
- The senator dismissed the proposal as a crank idea. (as modifier)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in metaphors like 'cranking up production' or 'cranking out reports'.
Academic
Used in history/philosophy of science (e.g., 'a scientific crank') and engineering (mechanical sense).
Everyday
Common for describing irritatingly obsessive people and for actions like turning a handle or increasing volume/effort.
Technical
Standard term in mechanical engineering (crankshaft, crank mechanism).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crank”
- Using 'crank' as a direct synonym for 'crazy' (it implies obsession, not psychosis).
- Incorrect verb pattern: 'He cranked to start the engine' (should be 'He cranked the engine').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring to a person, yes, it is derogatory. It suggests someone is irrationally obsessed or irritable about a particular topic. The mechanical sense is neutral.
An 'eccentric' is unusual but often charming or harmless. A 'crank' is irritating, argumentative, and tries to impose their odd views on others.
Yes. 'To crank up' means to increase intensity (crank up the heat, crank up pressure). 'To crank out' means to produce something rapidly and in volume (crank out essays).
A prank or nuisance phone call, usually made to annoy or harass someone. This is more common in American English.
A mechanical device or part with an arm that can be turned to change circular motion into reciprocating motion or vice versa, e.
Crank is usually informal, technical (mechanical) in register.
Crank: in British English it is pronounced /kræŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /kræŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “crank out (produce mechanically/laboriously)”
- “crank up (increase intensity, start a machine)”
- “crank call (prank phone call)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a grumpy old man trying to START his ancient car with a HANDLE (crank). He's both the person (crank) and the action (to crank).
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE MACHINES (an erratic person is a faulty machine part); INTENSITY IS PHYSICAL TURNING (to crank up the music).
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'The manager told us to crank out the report by noon,' what does 'crank out' mean?