Crouch: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is lowering their body close to the ground by bending their knees fully while staying on their feet. Often used for situations where someone is trying to hide or prepare to spring into action.

• The cat crouched low, ready to pounce on its prey
• The children had to crouch behind the bushes to avoid being seen

Describes the act of sitting with one's knees bent and one's heels close to or touching one's buttocks or the backs of one's thighs. Commonly used in fitness contexts or when someone is resting close to the ground.

• He squatted down to tie his shoelaces
• The hikers squatted by the campfire, enjoying their meal

Best used when describing a group of people or animals crowding closely together, often for warmth, comfort, or consultation. Commonly used in team sports or in cold weather scenarios.

• The football team huddled together to discuss their next move
• Penguins huddle to stay warm in the freezing temperatures

Used to describe bending one's body forward and downward, often with the shoulders raised and the back curved. This posture usually indicates tension, discomfort, or poor posture.

• The old man hunched over the fireplace, warming his hands
• She hunched over her desk, deeply focused on her work

To bend down with your knees bent close to the ground. Often used when trying to hide or make oneself smaller.

• The cat crouched before pouncing on its prey.
• She crouched behind the bush to avoid being seen.

To sit with your knees bent under you and your bottom just off the ground, often used in fitness or describing a low seated position.

• He squatted to pick up the box.
• People often squat for exercise to strengthen their legs.

To come together in a tightly packed group, often for warmth or comfort. It's commonly used in the context of people or animals seeking closeness.

• The children huddled together for warmth.
• The football players huddled to discuss their next play.

To bend one's body forward and down, usually because of stress, pressure, or discomfort.

• He hunched his shoulders against the cold wind.
• She hunched over her desk, working late into the night.