crouch
Crouch (verb) means to bend the knees and lower the body close to the ground, often to hide, prepare to spring, or avoid being seen. Example: “The cat crouched low, watching the bird on the fence.”
How to use crouch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo bend down low with knees bent, like getting ready to jump or hide.
Word forms
crouched past tense, crouched past tense, crouches plural, crouches plural, crouches singular, crouches singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cat _____ low, watching the bird on the fence.
Etymology
From Middle English crouchen, related to "crook" — ultimately from an Old Norse word for a hook, describing the bent shape of the body.
Related words
Rhymes for crouch
See all rhymes for crouch →Frequently asked questions
What does “crouch” mean?
The word “crouch” means to bend the knees and lower the body close to the ground, often to hide, prepare to spring, or avoid being seen. In plain terms, to bend down low with knees bent, like getting ready to jump or hide.
How do you pronounce “crouch”?
“Crouch” is pronounced KROWCH (/ˈkɹaʊ̯t͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “crouch” in a sentence?
Here is “crouch” used in a sentence: “The cat crouched low, watching the bird on the fence.”
What part of speech is “crouch”?
Depending on how it is used, “crouch” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “crouch” come from?
The word “crouch” comes from Middle English. From Middle English crouchen, related to "crook" — ultimately from an Old Norse word for a hook, describing the bent shape of the body.
Is “crouch” a common word?
“Crouch” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “crouch” have?
“Crouch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to bend the knees and lower the body close to the ground, often to hide, prepare to spring, or avoid being seen.