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noun

crone

krohn

Crone (noun) means an old woman, especially one seen as withered, unpleasant, or witch-like. Example: “The fairy tale featured a crone who lived alone in the forest.”

noun
1
An old woman, especially one seen as withered, unpleasant, or witch-like.
"The fairy tale featured a crone who lived alone in the forest."
2
In Wiccan and folklore tradition, the archetype of an old, wise woman, one of the three aspects of the Goddess.
"The Maiden, Mother, and Crone represent the three stages of a woman's life in Wiccan belief."

How to use crone

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old woman, often used with negative or fairy-tale connotations, though in some traditions it carries respect for age and wisdom.

When to use it

Usually negative or literary in tone; can sound insulting if used casually about a real person.

Word forms

crones plural, Crones plural

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Fill the gap

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The fairy tale featured a _____ who lived alone in the forest.

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman carogne, related to Old French charogne ("carrion, old ewe") — the same root that gives English the word "carrion."

Origin: Old French

witch hag beldam beldame

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for crone

See all rhymes for crone →

Frequently asked questions

What does “crone” mean?

The word “crone” means an old woman, especially one seen as withered, unpleasant, or witch-like. In plain terms, an old woman, often used with negative or fairy-tale connotations, though in some traditions it carries respect for age and wisdom.

How do you pronounce “crone”?

“Crone” is pronounced krohn (/kɹoʊn/ in IPA).

How do you use “crone” in a sentence?

Here is “crone” used in a sentence: “The fairy tale featured a crone who lived alone in the forest.”

What is the opposite of “crone”?

The opposite of “crone” — its antonyms — is Sage.

What part of speech is “crone”?

“Crone” is a noun.

Where does the word “crone” come from?

The word “crone” comes from Old French. From Anglo-Norman carogne, related to Old French charogne ("carrion, old ewe") — the same root that gives English the word "carrion.".

How many meanings does “crone” have?

“Crone” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an old woman, especially one seen as withered, unpleasant, or witch-like.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial