crest
B2Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
The highest part of something, especially a hill, wave, or a natural feature. Also, the distinctive symbol or emblem representing a family, group, or institution.
The peak or culminating point of a state or process, such as the 'crest of a wave' representing a high point of success or energy. In heraldry, the emblematic device above a coat of arms. In biology, a ridge or tuft of feathers/fur on an animal's head.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it often implies a natural, curved shape or a symbolic apex. As a verb ('to crest'), it describes the action of reaching the top of something, like a hill. It carries connotations of achievement, pride, and natural form.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. In heraldry and institutional contexts, usage is identical. In verb usage ('crest the hill'), both use it similarly.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries formal and somewhat literary connotations when used metaphorically (e.g., 'crest of his career').
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English in institutional/heraldic contexts (e.g., family crests, university crest). In US English, common in brand names and sports team logos (e.g., Crest toothpaste).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the crest of [NP]crest [NP] (verb)bear/have a crestVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the crest of a wave (at a peak of success)”
- “ride the crest (enjoy a period of success)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The company is on the crest of a wave after its successful product launch.'
Academic
Used in geography/geology: 'The glacial crest was visible for miles.' In biology: 'The bird's distinctive crest was used for identification.'
Everyday
Describing hills/waves: 'We finally reached the crest of the hill.' Also, logos: 'The school crest is on his blazer.'
Technical
In fluid dynamics/wave physics: 'The distance between wave crests is the wavelength.' In heraldry: 'The crest sits above the helmet in an achievement of arms.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The runners crested the final ridge, exhausted but elated.
- The floodwaters are expected to crest by midnight.
American English
- The hikers finally crested the hill and saw the valley below.
- The river is cresting at record levels after the storm.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (No standard adjectival form; 'crested' is used as a participle adjective).
American English
- N/A (No standard adjectival form; 'crested' is used as a participle adjective).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bird has a red crest on its head.
- The wave has a white crest.
- Their family crest has a lion on it.
- We walked to the crest of the hill.
- After the election victory, the party was on the crest of a wave.
- The geologists studied the rocky crest of the mountain range.
- The artist's career crested with a major retrospective at the national gallery.
- Heraldic law governs the use and display of an official crest.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ROOSTER's red CREST on its head — it's the HIGHEST, most visible point.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUCCESS IS THE CREST OF A WAVE (e.g., 'riding the crest of popularity').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'крем' (cream).
- The heraldic 'crest' is not exactly 'герб' (which is the full coat of arms); it's a specific part of it ('нашлемник').
- The verb 'to crest' (достигать вершины) is less common in Russian and may require a paraphrase.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He is on the crest of the wave of his career.' (Redundant; use 'crest of his career' or 'on a wave of success').
- Incorrect: 'The crest of the mountain was very deep.' (A crest is a high, narrow point, not something deep).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these sentences is 'crest' used as a VERB?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its core meaning relates to natural high points, it is very commonly used for symbolic emblems (family crest, school crest) and as a metaphor for success ('crest of a wave').
Yes. As a verb, it means 'to reach the top of something,' like a hill, or for a river/flood to reach its highest level. Example: 'The river crested at 10 feet.'
A 'crest' is a specific type of emblem, often historical, symbolic, and used by families, schools, or cities, typically with a traditional heraldic design. A 'logo' is a broader, modern commercial symbol for a company or product.
Primarily, yes. It describes a period of great success, popularity, or confidence. However, it can imply a temporary high point that may not last, hinting at a potential fall later.