kran
C1 (Common word, known to most adults, but less frequent than core vocabulary)Neutral to technical. The machine sense is common in industrial/construction contexts; the bird sense is common in ornithology/nature contexts; the verb is more literary.
Definition
Meaning
A large, tall machine with a long horizontal or vertical arm, used for lifting and moving heavy objects.
Also refers to a large, tall, long-legged, long-necked bird of the family Gruidae; and as a verb, to stretch out (one's neck) to see something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The three main meanings (machine, bird, verb) are polysemous but connected by the concept of 'long, extended neck/arm'. Context is crucial for disambiguation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meanings are identical. Spelling is the same. The verb 'to crane' may be slightly more frequent in British literary prose.
Connotations
Similar neutral/technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Frequency of use is comparable, with the machine sense likely most common in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[crane] + [object] (The crane lifted the beam.)[Subject] + crane + [neck/head] (She craned her neck.)[crane] + [over/across/through] (The bird craned over the water.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “crane one's neck”
- “like watching a crane (slow and deliberate)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In logistics or construction: 'The project requires three tower cranes.'
Academic
In engineering or biology: 'The kinematics of the crane's boom were analyzed.' / 'The sandhill crane migrates annually.'
Everyday
Pointing out machinery: 'Look at the big crane on that building site.'
Technical
In mechanical engineering: 'The crane's safe working load must not be exceeded.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She craned her head round the corner to see the parade.
- The spectators craned forward for a better view.
American English
- He craned his neck to see over the crowd.
- I had to crane to see the whiteboard.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (not standard as a standalone adjective; used in compounds like 'crane-fly').
American English
- N/A (not standard as a standalone adjective; used in compounds like 'crane operator').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A big crane is building the house.
- I saw a tall crane at the port.
- The construction company brought in a large mobile crane.
- We watched a beautiful crane by the lake.
- The crane operator skilfully lowered the steel beam into place.
- He craned his neck to get a glimpse of the celebrity through the window.
- The engineering report detailed the load-bearing capacity of the new gantry crane.
- Endangered whooping cranes are part of a meticulous conservation programme.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a construction CRANE with a long neck like a bird CRANE, both stretching high.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRETCHING TO SEE/REACH IS CRANING (using a body part like a machine/bird part).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'кран' (tap/faucet). The English 'crane' is 'подъёмный кран' or 'журавль'.
- The verb 'to crane' (вытягивать) is a false friend with the noun 'кран'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'crane' to mean tap/faucet (a common Russian false friend).
- Misspelling as 'crain'.
- Incorrect verb pattern: 'He craned to see' (needs an object: 'He craned his neck to see').
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT a meaning of the word 'crane'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Russian 'кран' most commonly means 'tap' or 'faucet'. The English 'crane' (machine/bird) translates as 'подъёмный кран' or 'журавль'.
Yes. As a verb, it means 'to stretch out (one's neck) in order to see something better'. It typically requires an object like 'neck' or 'head'.
A derrick is a specific type of crane, often with a fixed, vertical mast and a hinged boom, commonly used in drilling rigs. 'Crane' is the broader general term.
It is pronounced /kreɪn/ (rhyming with 'rain' and 'plane') in both British and American English.