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

A stick-like support used under the arm to help someone walk when injured.

"He hobbled around on crutches after breaking his ankle."

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

crutched past tense, crutches plural, crutches singular

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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.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for crutch

tch etch itch Dutch catch batch pitch bitch watch witch hutch hatch

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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.