Definition

1. Noun:

   • A large wading bird: A tall bird with a long neck and long legs, typically found in marshes and plains.
   • A machine for lifting: A machine with a long, movable arm (boom) used for lifting and moving heavy objects.
   • A constellation: A small constellation in the southern hemisphere.
   • A person's name: The surname of notable American writers and poets, such as Stephen Crane and Hart Crane.

2. Verb:

   • To stretch the neck: To stretch out one's neck, especially to see something better.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Bird):
  • We saw a flock of cranes in the wetland.
  • The crane is a symbol of longevity in some cultures.
• Noun (Machine):
  • The construction crew used a large crane to lift the steel beams.
  • The ship was unloaded by a dockside crane.
• Verb:
  • The spectators craned their necks to get a glimpse of the celebrity.
  • She craned forward to hear the whispered conversation.

Advanced Usage

• "to crane one's neck": To stretch one's neck in a particular direction to see or hear something.
  • Everyone in the back row was craning their necks to see the stage.

Variants and Related Words

• Cranage (n): The use of a crane or cranes; the charge for this use.
• Cranefly (n): A type of long-legged fly, not directly related but shares the root word.
• Water crane (n): A mechanical device for supplying water to steam locomotives.

Synonyms

• Noun (Bird): Wader, heron (a different but similar bird).
• Noun (Machine): Hoist, derrick, winch.
• Verb: Stretch, lean, extend.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Crane in/out: To lift something into or out of a place using a crane.
  • The heavy machinery was craned in through the roof of the factory.
• Crane up: To lift something upwards with a crane.
  • The wreckage of the car was craned up from the ravine.

Related Idioms

• To crane at something (archaic/rare): To hesitate or balk at something; to show reluctance.
  • The horse craned at the high fence, refusing to jump.

Noun

1. large long-necked wading bird of marshes and plains in many parts of the world
2. lifts and moves heavy objects; lifting tackle is suspended from a pivoted boom that rotates around a vertical axis
3. a small constellation in the southern hemisphere near Phoenix
4. United States poet (1899-1932)
5. United States writer (1871-1900)

Verb

1. stretch (the neck) so as to see better
   • The women craned their necks to see the President drive by