cram
Cram (verb) means to force or squeeze something into a tight space. Example: “He crammed all his clothes into one small suitcase.”
How to use cram
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo pack something in tightly, or to study hard and fast right before a test.
If you hear a student say they're "cramming," they mean last-minute intensive studying.
Trace the full origin ↓Word forms
crammed past tense, crams plural, Crams plural, crams singular
Etymology
From Old English crammian ("to stuff, cram"), from a Germanic root meaning to press or squeeze together.
Related words
Rhymes for cram
See all rhymes for cram →Frequently asked questions
What does “cram” mean?
The word “cram” means to force or squeeze something into a tight space. In plain terms, to pack something in tightly, or to study hard and fast right before a test.
How do you pronounce “cram”?
“Cram” is pronounced kram (/kɹæm/ in IPA).
How do you use “cram” in a sentence?
Here is “cram” used in a sentence: “He crammed all his clothes into one small suitcase.”
What part of speech is “cram”?
“Cram” is a verb.
Where does the word “cram” come from?
The word “cram” comes from Old English. From Old English crammian ("to stuff, cram"), from a Germanic root meaning to press or squeeze together.
Is “cram” a common word?
“Cram” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cram” have?
“Cram” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to force or squeeze something into a tight space.