Crew Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crew

[kruː ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

team

A group of people who work closely together, especially on a ship or plane.

Synonyms

group, staff, team.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crew

Use this word when talking about people working together on a vehicle like a ship, airplane, or film set.

  • The flight crew ensured all passengers were safely seated
  • The film crew arrived early to set up the equipment
team

Use this for a group of people working together towards a common goal, often used in sports and work environments.

  • The marketing team presented their new strategy
  • The soccer team won the championship
staff

This term is used for people who work for an organization, typically in an office or service context.

  • The hotel staff were very accommodating during our stay
  • All staff must attend the meeting tomorrow
group

This word is suitable for any collection of people or things, not necessarily working together towards a common goal.

  • A group of friends went hiking over the weekend
  • The teacher divided the students into groups for the project

Examples of usage

  • The crew of the spaceship worked together to ensure a successful mission.
  • The film crew was busy setting up lights and cameras for the shoot.
Context #2 | Verb

work together

To work as a member of a crew.

Synonyms

collaborate, team up, work together.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crew

Used to refer to a group of people working together on a task, often in settings like ships, airplanes, films, or music production. The term generally emphasizes their role and is commonly used in professional or technical environments.

  • The film crew worked tirelessly to capture the perfect shot.
  • The ship's crew is trained to respond to emergencies.
collaborate

Used to describe working together on a project, often in a formal or professional setting. This term is suitable for academic, business, or creative contexts where individuals contribute their expertise.

  • Scientists from around the world collaborate to find a cure for the disease.
  • The two authors decided to collaborate on a new novel.
work together

A general phrase that can be used in almost any context where people join efforts to achieve a common goal. Suitable for both formal and informal settings.

  • We need to work together to meet the deadline.
  • The group worked together to clean up the park.
team up

Informal term for joining efforts or working together, often used in sports, casual, or everyday situations. It implies a temporary or specific collaboration.

  • Let's team up to solve this puzzle.
  • The two companies decided to team up for the charity event.

Examples of usage

  • They crewed together on many projects over the years.
  • She crews with a talented group of individuals.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cinema

  • In filmmaking, the crew includes various roles such as directors, cameramen, and sound technicians, all essential to producing a film.
  • The crew often works behind the scenes, collaborating to create the movie magic we see on screen.
  • Many film crews can be large, with hundreds of people contributing to a single production.

Sports

  • In rowing, the crew refers to the team of rowers who work together to move the boat quickly.
  • Different positions within the crew have specific roles, enhancing teamwork and coordination.
  • Crew competitions are held globally, showcasing teamwork and physical endurance.

Maritime History

  • Historically, crews aboard ships were essential for navigation and managing sails, especially during the Age of Sail.
  • The crew's size and structure depended on the ship's purpose, with larger crews for warships and smaller for merchant vessels.
  • The term 'crew' was also used in naval contexts to distinguish between officers and enlisted sailors.

Military

  • In military terms, a crew can refer to a specific team operating equipment, such as a tank or aircraft.
  • Each member may have specialized training, allowing for efficient operation in high-pressure situations.
  • Crew coordination is critical during missions, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.

Origin of 'crew'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'crew' originates from the Middle Dutch word 'crue', which means a group or crowd.
  • It was first used in English around the early 16th century to refer to a group of ship workers.
  • Over time, the meaning expanded to include any group of people working together in various fields.

The word 'crew' originated from Middle English 'creue', which came from Old French 'crue', meaning an increase or growth. It was first used in the nautical sense in the 15th century to refer to the group of people working on a ship. The term has since evolved to encompass any group of people working together towards a common goal.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,308, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.