Crawlies Meaning in English
word · lemma: crawly
ˈkɹɔɫi
KRAW-lee
kɹˈɔːliz
KRAW-leez
Definition
Small insects or bugs, especially those that move by crawling. Often used by children or when people talk about bugs in a less scientific, more playful or fearful way.
Usage & Nuances
Very informal, often used by children or when talking to or about them. Refers to small, crawling bugs—never to animals like worms or snakes. Common in phrases like 'creepy crawlies' for emphasis. Avoid in scientific contexts.
Spanish: bichos (pequeños insectos) - bichitosPortuguese (BR): bichinhos (insetos pequeninos)Portuguese (PT): bicharocos (insetos pequeninos)Chinese (Simplified): 小爬虫（小昆虫）Chinese (Traditional): 小爬蟲（小昆蟲）Hindi: छोटे कीड़ेArabic: حشرات زاحفة صغيرةBengali: ছোট পোকা-মাকড়Russian: ползучие букашки - мелкие жучкиJapanese: 小さい虫Vietnamese: con bọ nhỏKorean: 작은 벌레Turkish: küçük böceklerUrdu: چھوٹے کیڑےIndonesian: serangga kecil
Example Sentences
My little brother is afraid of crawlies under his bed.
basic
We saw lots of crawlies in the garden today.
basic
Some crawlies crawled across my hand!
basic
Ew, there are crawlies everywhere after the rain.
natural
Kids love searching for crawlies under rocks.
natural
I feel itchy just thinking about those weird crawlies in the woods.
natural