Crib: meaning, definitions and examples

A crib is typically used in the context of a baby's sleeping environment, particularly in the United States. It's a larger, more permanent bed for a baby, often with high sides to prevent the baby from falling out.

• We put the baby in his crib for the night.
• They bought a new crib for the nursery.

In British English, 'cot' refers to what is known as a 'crib' in American English. It is a baby's bed with high sides. In American English, 'cot' typically refers to a lightweight, foldable bed used for camping or temporary sleeping arrangements.

• In the UK: The baby was sleeping in his cot.
• In the US: We set up a cot in the living room for the guest.

A cradle is used for very young babies and is designed to rock back and forth to help soothe the baby to sleep. It's smaller and more temporary compared to a crib or cot.

• She gently rocked the baby in the cradle.
• They inherited an antique cradle from their grandparents.

A bassinet is often used for newborns and very young babies. It's smaller and more portable than a crib, making it suitable for keeping the baby close to the parents, especially in the early months.

• The baby was sleeping soundly in her bassinet.
• They placed the bassinet next to their bed.

Another term for cheat notes, often used interchangeably with 'crib.' The context here implies unauthorized or secretive assistance during tests or exams.

• The student wrote a crib on his palm for the chemistry test.
• Teachers are always looking out for cribs during exams.

While it can suggest cheating, it is also often used in less formal or non-academic contexts to describe a concise set of notes designed to make information easily accessible. In professional jargon, it might simply represent a quick reference.

• He made a cheat sheet to remember all the formulas for his physics exam.
• I always keep a cheat sheet by my computer with essential coding commands.

Usually used in secondary or higher education to describe small, hidden notes prepared to cheat during an exam or test. The phrase explicitly indicates the act of cheating.

• The teacher found cheat notes in his sleeve.
• She used cheat notes to pass the history exam.

Similar to 'cheat notes,' but might imply a more organized or extensive piece of paper that contains critical information intended to be used for cheating during exams.

• He hid a cheat paper under his desk.
• Without her cheat paper, she felt unprepared for the exam.

Informally, this term is synonymous with 'crib' in a school setting, meaning to cheat by copying answers or using unauthorized help during exams or assignments. It often carries a negative connotation.

• The student was accused of cribbing during the final exam.
• He was caught cribbing from a cheat sheet hidden in his sleeve.

This term is used in academic and professional settings to describe the act of taking someone else's work and presenting it as your own. It carries a serious negative connotation and can have significant consequences.

• Students who plagiarize may face severe disciplinary actions.
• The author was accused of plagiarizing large sections of another writer's book.

This is a neutral term that can refer to both authorized and unauthorized replication of someone else's work. It does not necessarily imply wrongdoing unless used in an academic or creative context where original work is required.

• She asked if she could copy my notes because she missed the lecture.
• He copied the entire document without thinking.

While this word usually refers to taking physical items, it can also apply to ideas or intellectual property in a negative sense. It denotes taking something without permission and implies a clear violation of rights.

• He was caught trying to steal confidential documents from the office.
• The musician was accused of stealing another artist's melody.