Crew: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "crew" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tripulação

🇮🇳 दल

🇩🇪 Besatzung

🇮🇩 awak kapal

🇺🇦 екіпаж

🇵🇱 załoga

🇯🇵 乗組員

🇫🇷 équipage

🇪🇸 tripulación

🇹🇷 mürettebat

🇰🇷 승무원

🇸🇦 طاقم

🇨🇿 posádka

🇸🇰 posádka

🇨🇳 船员

🇸🇮 posadka

🇮🇸 áhöfn

🇰🇿 экипаж

🇬🇪 ეკიპაჟი

🇦🇿 ekipaj

🇲🇽 tripulación

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.