crookes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Historical, Literary
Quick answer
What does “crookes” mean?
The plural form of 'crook' primarily referring to thieves or criminals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The plural form of 'crook' primarily referring to thieves or criminals.
Can refer to shepherds' or bishops' staffs (croziers), or to bends/curves. Also a surname and a rare informal term for the part of the arm behind the elbow.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The criminal sense ('thieves') is more common in historical contexts and Australian English. The 'arm bend' sense ('in the crook of my arm') is standard in both. 'Crookes' as a place name exists in the UK (Sheffield).
Connotations
In both varieties, 'crooks' as criminals has a negative, informal connotation.
Frequency
Rare in contemporary use in both varieties. The criminal sense may appear slightly more in British English due to historical/crime literature and Australian media influence.
Grammar
How to Use “crookes” in a Sentence
[Determiner] + crookes + [Prepositional Phrase (of criminals)]The + crookes + [Verb (pl.)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crookes” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The road crookes sharply to the left just past the pub.
- (Archaic) He crookes his finger, beckoning me over.
American English
- The river crookes around the base of the mountain.
- (Archaic) She crookes her arm to carry the basket.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in historical contexts referring to fraudulent businessmen ('the financial crookes').
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical, sociological, or criminology texts discussing petty crime.
Everyday
Very rare in modern conversation. 'Crook' (singular) is used informally for a dishonest person.
Technical
Not used in technical registers. The singular 'crook' appears in music (a bassoon crook) and in shepherding.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crookes”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crookes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crookes”
- Using 'crookes' as the standard plural for a single criminal (should be 'crooks').
- Confusing 'crookes' (rare) with the common phrase 'by hook or by crook'.
- Overusing the term in modern contexts where 'criminals' or 'thieves' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, somewhat archaic word. The singular 'crook' (meaning criminal) is informal but more common.
'Crooks' is the standard regular plural of 'crook'. 'Crookes' is a rare, sometimes archaic plural form, most often used in the sense of 'criminals' or as a proper noun (surname, place name).
Yes, though rarely. It can be the plural of a shepherd's crook or a bishop's crozier (staff). It is also a surname (e.g., Sir William Crookes, the scientist).
In most contemporary contexts, using 'crooks' is safer and more expected. Using 'crookes' might sound deliberately archaic or stylised, and could be mistaken for an error by many readers.
The plural form of 'crook' primarily referring to thieves or criminals.
Crookes is usually informal, historical, literary in register.
Crookes: in British English it is pronounced /krʊks/, and in American English it is pronounced /krʊks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “By hook or by crook (but note 'crook' singular)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a band of thieves, each holding a hooked 'crook' to steal your belongings. Many crooks = CROOKES.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRIMINALITY IS A BENT/SHAPED OBJECT (from the literal hooked staff).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the plural form 'crookes' most likely to be found?