noun Uncommon

crook

kruuk

Crook (noun) means a dishonest person, especially a criminal or swindler. Example: “The investment scheme turned out to be run by a crook.”

noun

A dishonest person, especially a criminal or swindler.

"The investment scheme turned out to be run by a crook."

"Police finally caught the crook who had been robbing local shops."

A hooked staff, such as the one used by shepherds or carried by a bishop.

"The shepherd used his crook to guide the sheep back to the pen."

A bend or curve, especially in a part of the body such as the arm.

"She carried the basket in the crook of her arm."

verb

To bend something, especially a finger or arm.

"He crooked his finger to beckon her over."

adj

Australian/NZ informal: unwell, or of poor quality.

"I've been feeling a bit crook since lunch."

How to use crook

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMost commonly a dishonest criminal, but also a curved shape or hooked staff.

When to use it

The "unwell/bad" sense is informal Australian and New Zealand slang.

Common pairings

a petty crook crook of the elbow shepherd's crook

Word forms

crooker comparative, crooked past tense, crooks plural, crooks singular, crookest superlative

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The investment scheme turned out to be run by a _____.

Etymology

From Old English crōc, meaning "hook" or "bend," related to Germanic and Norse words for a curved shape.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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turn criminal twist curve bend outlaw felon malefactor shepherd's crook

Related words

go play line become form turn round tour

Rhymes for crook

ook book look cook rook hook nook kook sook fook mook wook

See all rhymes for crook →

Frequently asked questions

What does “crook” mean?

The word “crook” means a dishonest person, especially a criminal or swindler. In plain terms, most commonly a dishonest criminal, but also a curved shape or hooked staff.

How do you pronounce “crook”?

“Crook” is pronounced kruuk (/kɹʊk/ in IPA).

How do you use “crook” in a sentence?

Here is “crook” used in a sentence: “The investment scheme turned out to be run by a crook.”

What part of speech is “crook”?

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

Where does the word “crook” come from?

The word “crook” comes from Old English. From Old English crōc, meaning "hook" or "bend," related to Germanic and Norse words for a curved shape.

Is “crook” a common word?

“Crook” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “crook” have?

“Crook” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dishonest person, especially a criminal or swindler.

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