crane
/kɹeɪn/ · crane
noun
- Any bird of the family Gruidae, large birds with long legs and a long neck which is extended during flight. The majestic crane soared overhead, its wings beating slowly.
- Ardea herodias, the great blue heron. The great blue heron, also known as the crane, waded through the shallow waters in search of fish.
- A mechanical lifting machine or device, often used for lifting heavy loads for industrial or construction purposes. The construction crew used a crane to lift the heavy steel beams into place.
verb
- To extend (one's neck). She craned her neck to see over the crowd.
- To raise or lower with, or as if with, a crane. The workers craned the heavy load into the air.
- To pull up before a jump. The athlete craned before launching herself into the air.
Did you know? The word 'crane' is also associated with the 'crane dance', a traditional Japanese dance performed during the New Year's celebrations, where dancers mimic the movements of a crane.