crescent: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Informal
Quick answer
What does “crescent” mean?
The shape of the moon when it is less than half full.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The shape of the moon when it is less than half full; a curved shape that is wider in the middle and pointed at the ends.
Any object or symbol with this shape; historically, a symbol associated with Islam and found on flags; an area of houses arranged in a curved street; a type of flaky, buttery bread roll shaped like a new moon.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'crescent' commonly refers to a type of bread roll (croissant) and is part of many street names (e.g., Royal Crescent). In American English, the bread sense is rare ('croissant' is used); the street name usage is less frequent.
Connotations
In the UK, the word has strong domestic/cultural connotations (breakfast, architecture). In the US, it is more strongly associated with the moon, Islam, or abstract symbolism.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to culinary and toponymic uses.
Grammar
How to Use “crescent” in a Sentence
a crescent of [object]in the shape of a crescentarranged in a crescentVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crescent” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- They live in a crescent building overlooking the park.
- The pastry had a lovely crescent form.
American English
- The crescent blade of the tool was very effective.
- They followed the crescent shoreline.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
(Rare) Can appear in brand names or logos for companies wanting to imply growth or delicacy.
Academic
Used in history (Fertile Crescent), astronomy, architecture, and religious studies.
Everyday
Mostly used to describe the moon's shape or a type of bread roll (UK).
Technical
Used in dentistry (crescent-shaped restorations), surgery, and certain tool names (crescent wrench).
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crescent”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crescent”
- Misspelling as 'cresent'.
- Using 'crescent' to mean 'croissant' in formal American contexts.
- Confusing 'crescent' (shape) with 'decrescent' (rarely used antonym).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a noun, but it can be used attributively as an adjective (e.g., crescent shape, crescent roll).
A 'croissant' is the specific French pastry. In UK English, 'crescent roll' can be a generic term for a similar shape, often made with different dough. In US English, 'croissant' is almost always used for the pastry.
It's named for the crescent-shaped opening of its adjustable jaw. This is a trademark (Crescent®) that became generic in American English.
Not directly in modern English. It comes from the Latin 'crescere' (to grow), referring to the waxing moon. The related word 'crescendo' retains the 'increasing' meaning.
The shape of the moon when it is less than half full.
Crescent is usually formal/informal in register.
Crescent: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrɛz(ə)nt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkrɛs(ə)nt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Crescent wrench (US: adjustable spanner with a curved head)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'CRESC' in 'crescent' like 'crescendo' – something that grows. A crescent moon grows (waxes) and shrinks (wanes).
Conceptual Metaphor
GROWTH/INCREASE IS A CRESCENT (from its link to the waxing moon).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'crescent' LEAST likely to be used in modern British English?