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Crawling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crawling

[ˈkrɔːlɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

on the floor

Moving on hands and knees or dragging the body close to the ground

Synonyms

creeping, slinking, slithering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crawling

This word is often used to describe the movement of babies or insects on hands and knees or using multiple limbs. It can also describe a situation moving very slowly.

  • The baby is crawling across the floor
  • Traffic was crawling during rush hour
creeping

This word is commonly used to describe slow, stealthy movement, often with a sense of stealth or caution. It is frequently associated with things that move slowly and in a sneaky manner.

  • The burglar was creeping through the house
  • The fog is creeping in from the sea
slithering

This word describes the smooth, gliding movement typical of snakes or things with a similar motion. It often evokes a sense of unease due to its association with snakes.

  • The snake is slithering through the grass
  • The slimy creature was slithering its way along the path
slinking

This term carries a negative connotation and refers to moving in a quiet, sneaky manner, often because of guilt or fear. It suggests trying to avoid attention or detection.

  • The cat was slinking away after knocking over the vase
  • He was slinking around the office after being reprimanded

Examples of usage

  • The baby was crawling on the floor.
  • She crawled under the table to retrieve the toy.
Context #2 | Verb

internet

Indexing web pages for search engines

Examples of usage

  • The search engine crawls websites to gather information.
  • The crawler indexed the entire website.
Context #3 | Noun

animals

A slow method of movement close to the ground

Examples of usage

  • The crab moved with a sideways crawl.
  • The caterpillar advanced with a crawling motion.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Developmental Milestones

  • Most babies start crawling around 6 to 10 months old, helping them explore their surroundings.
  • Crawling can improve coordination and strength, laying a foundation for walking later on.
  • Not all babies crawl in the same way—some may scoot or roll instead!

Animal Behavior

  • Many small animals, like turtles and lizards, crawl as a primary mode of movement.
  • In the animal kingdom, crawling helps with finding food and escaping predators.
  • Some species use crawling to navigate complex surfaces, such as trees or rocky environments.

Language and Expression

  • The term 'crawling' can also describe a slow, laborious movement in various contexts, such as when cars are stuck in traffic.
  • In literature, 'crawling' is often used metaphorically to describe something unpleasant, like fear or anxiety creeping in.
  • Expressions like 'crawling with insects' imply an overwhelming presence of something undesirable.

Crawl Space in Architecture

  • In homes, crawl spaces are shallow areas beneath floors, often used for plumbing and wiring access.
  • These spaces can affect a building's ventilation and moisture levels, impacting energy efficiency.
  • Some creatures enjoy these dark, damp environments, making it their home!

Origin of 'crawling'

The word 'crawling' has its origin in the Old English word 'crawlian', which meant 'to creep'. Over time, the meaning has evolved to include various forms of slow movement close to the ground. The term is commonly used in different contexts, from describing the movement of animals to the indexing of web pages by search engines.

See also: crawl, crawler, crawly.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,830, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.