What does crow mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/krɔʊ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun and Verb

Definition

The sound or action of a crow, typically made by the bird itself, but also used figuratively to refer to a warning or omen.

Etymology

The word “crow” is thought to have originated from the Old English word “crawe,” which referred to the bird’s call. The verb form of the word, meaning to give warning, is derived from the noun form and entered Middle English through Latin. Historical development of this term is seen as closely associated with American or British influences.

Examples

• Despite the warning, the team creakily opted out by employing injured players last week.
• “Foreboding clouds signaled an impending storm and now the rain is pouring down.” The meteorologist predicted a dark weather crow.

Synonyms

• Warning
• Omen
• Foreboding

Antonyms

• Hope
• Prosperity
• Promise

Usage Notes

The term “crow” is commonly used in writing as well as conversation to convey an ominous feeling or warning, therefore making it crucial in dramatic storylines and to create a tense atmosphere.

Throughout the course of the story, the character’s concern and reservations regarding the friend’s true intentions surfaced numerous times, they seemed vigilant and always sensed impending disaster like a faint crow.

Additional Information

Crows are indeed intelligent birds often taking part in hunting activities in team mode, using up strategic tactics that are comparable to many intelligent mammals.

This display of group tactic cooperation shows how corvid intelligence factors into our societal perceptions of intelligence among species.… With people both fascinated by, but often intolerant or prejudiced toward, animals capable of apparent problem-solving skills.

Consequently, it is more than unusual to be confronted with avian organisms which continually elevate their behavior above animalistic instincts to reach the level of a clever problem-solving system that they obviously are.

The observation of their clever behavior brings into the light philosophical discussions and questions raised concerning human cognition, individual animal awareness, social reactions and our whole cognition over animals.

When a team of animals begins working together for a strategic objective, we recognize numerous examples how what humans say that animals are smart doesn’t give justice to many instances which suggest otherwise.

Cultural References

• Ruskin Bond’s novel, “Rosie,” features a bird’s ominous cawing sound, foretelling a crucial event.
• The phrase “Bad omen,” originates from a superstition where a cawing crow foretells inauspicious events or happenings that may happen in the future.
• Blackbird’s album, “The Wildlife,” features a song called “Crow” with lyrics hinting at ominous tones.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “The crow’s call.” – This idiom signifies warning or foreboding.
• “A sounding crow,” meaning the beginning of evil or misfortune.

Related Words or Phrases

• Portent – giving a sign of coming events.
• Omen – a sign of future events, especially bad events.
• Error – a mistake, a wrong doing.

Collocations

• Harbinger of doom
• A black cloud
• Ominous weather

Frequency of Use

The phrase is found in various social and written contexts.

Results from an analysis in vocabulary reveal, the frequency rate has actually increased over time toward the last few decades.

Common Misspellings

The word is often misspelled in form of ‘Krour’ or ‘Crowe.’