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 notesIn 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.
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Word forms
- Plural
- crones
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Synonyms
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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.
