crawl

word

/ˈkɹɔɫ/
krawl
/kɹˈɔːl/
krawl

Definition

To move very slowly, either with your body close to the ground or at a very slow speed. It is also used for babies moving on their hands and knees.

Usage & Nuances

Common patterns: 'crawl on the floor', 'crawl under the table', and 'traffic is crawling'. For babies, 'crawl' is the normal verb. For adults, it often suggests difficulty, secrecy, exhaustion, or very slow progress. Do not confuse it with 'creep', which often implies quiet or careful movement.

Example Sentences

The baby can crawl now.

basic

The cat crawled under the bed.

basic

Traffic was crawling this morning.

basic

After the hike, I practically crawled back to the car.

natural

The meeting crawled along and never seemed to end.

natural

We had to crawl through the tunnel on our hands and knees.

natural