noun Uncommon

crib

krihb

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Crib (noun) means a baby's bed with high sides, used before a child moves to a regular bed. Example: “They set up the crib in the corner of the nursery.”

noun

A baby's bed with high sides, used before a child moves to a regular bed.

"They set up the crib in the corner of the nursery."

Informal term for one's home.

"Come round to my crib after the show."

A set of notes used to help with a test or task, often dishonestly.

"He was caught with a crib sheet taped under his desk."

verb

To copy someone else's work dishonestly.

"She was accused of cribbing her answers from a classmate."

How to use crib

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA baby's bed, or (informally) someone's home, or a set of cheat notes/copied answers.

When to use it

"Crib" for "home" and cribbing meaning "to copy/cheat" are both informal.

UK vs US

American English uses "crib" for a baby's bed; British English more often says "cot".

Common pairings

crib sheet crib notes cribbing answers

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: cribs
Third person singular: cribs
Past tense: cribbed

Test yourself on “crib” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

They set up the _____ in the corner of the nursery.

Etymology

From Old English crib/cribb, "manger, stall", from a Germanic root related to wickerwork — the sense broadened from a feeding trough to a baby's bed, and separately gave rise to slang for cheat notes and, later, one's home.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

View more →

pony cot trot cribbage

Related words

bed clip pony jog cot trot cribbage jigger

Rhymes for crib

rib

See all rhymes for crib →

Frequently asked questions

What does “crib” mean?

The word “crib” means a baby's bed with high sides, used before a child moves to a regular bed. In plain terms, a baby's bed, or (informally) someone's home, or a set of cheat notes/copied answers.

How do you pronounce “crib”?

“Crib” is pronounced krihb (/kɹɪb/ in IPA).

How do you use “crib” in a sentence?

Here is “crib” used in a sentence: “They set up the crib in the corner of the nursery.”

What part of speech is “crib”?

Depending on how it is used, “crib” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “crib” come from?

The word “crib” comes from Old English.

Is “crib” a common word?

“Crib” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “crib” have?

“Crib” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a baby's bed with high sides, used before a child moves to a regular bed.

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