noun
crutch
KRUHCH
Crutch (noun) means a stick-like support used under the arm to help someone walk when injured. Example: “He hobbled around on crutches after breaking his ankle.”
noun
1
A stick-like support used under the arm to help someone walk when injured.
"He hobbled around on crutches after breaking his ankle."
2
Something relied on for support, often implying an unhealthy dependency.
"Alcohol had become a crutch for him during stressful times."
How to use crutch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA walking aid for an injured leg, or figuratively, something someone leans on too much.
Common pairings
on crutches
use as a crutch
emotional crutch
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Word forms
- Plural
- crutches
- Third person singular
- crutches
- Past tense
- crutched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He hobbled around on _____ after breaking his ankle.
Etymology
From Old English crycc ("staff, crutch"), related to words in other Germanic languages for a bent support.
Rhymes for crutch
See all rhymes for crutch →Frequently asked questions
What does “crutch” mean?
The word “crutch” means a stick-like support used under the arm to help someone walk when injured. In plain terms, a walking aid for an injured leg, or figuratively, something someone leans on too much.
How do you pronounce “crutch”?
“Crutch” is pronounced KRUHCH (/ˈkɹʌt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “crutch” in a sentence?
Here is “crutch” used in a sentence: “He hobbled around on crutches after breaking his ankle.”
What part of speech is “crutch”?
“Crutch” is a noun.
Where does the word “crutch” come from?
The word “crutch” comes from Old English. From Old English crycc ("staff, crutch"), related to words in other Germanic languages for a bent support.
How many meanings does “crutch” have?
“Crutch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a stick-like support used under the arm to help someone walk when injured.
