crane

word

/ˈkɹeɪn/
krayn
/kɹˈeɪn/
krayn

Definition

A crane is a large machine used to lift and move heavy things at building sites or ports. It can also mean a tall bird with long legs and a long neck.

Usage & Nuances

Most often, people mean the machine, especially in everyday conversation. For the bird meaning, context usually makes it clear. Common combinations: 'construction crane', 'tower crane', and 'crane your neck' (stretch your neck to see better), though the verb is separate from the noun.

Example Sentences

We saw a crane standing by the lake.

basic

A tall crane is next to the new hotel.

basic

The crane lifted the steel beams onto the building.

basic

They had to bring in a crane to move the damaged bus.

natural

I didn't expect to see a crane in the middle of the city park.

natural

From my office window, I can count four cranes on the skyline.

natural