Crew
/kruː/
nounA2
Definition
A crew is a group of people who do a job together, especially in jobs like sailing a ship, flying a plane, or working on a movie set. They work as a team to complete tasks and help each other.
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See It in Action
A group of people working together on a ship, airplane, or vehicle
- •The ship's crew prepared the sails before the storm.
- •The airplane crew helped passengers during the flight.
- •The film crew set up the cameras and lights.
A group of people working together on a project or task
- •The construction crew built the new bridge.
- •A cleaning crew arrived early to tidy the office.
- •The rescue crew saved people from the flood.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "crew" like "team" (A1 word), but usually for work or a special job, not just games
- ✓Picture a group of sailors on a boat, all helping to control the ship
- ✓It's the feeling of working closely with others to finish a project or task
- ✓Sounds like "crew" → imagine a group of people rowing a boat together, their voices joining as one crew
- ✓In movies, the "film crew" works behind the scenes to make the movie happen
- ✓NOT like "crowd" (many people gathered but not working together), "crew" means people working as a group
- ✓NOT like "family" (related by blood), "crew" is about working together, not family ties
Try Other Words
- •Team: a group working together (Use when the group is general or in sports)
- •Staff: people who work for a company or organization (Use when referring to employees in a workplace)
- •Group: any number of people together (Use when the purpose is not specific or work-related)
- •Gang: a group of people (usually informal or negative) (Use carefully, mostly informal or for friends)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: single root word "crew"
- •Etymology: from Old French "crewe," meaning a company of soldiers or followers
- •Historical development: Originally used for groups of people working or traveling together, especially on ships
- •Modern usage: Used for any group working together on a job, especially in transport, film, or projects
- •Key insight: Always about people working together as a unit, not just a random group
Reflect & Connect
•How does being part of a crew change the way people work and trust each other?
•Can the word "crew" be used for groups outside of work, like friends? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks
1.The airplane crew helped passengers ___ their seat belts before takeoff.
2.A movie crew usually works ___ the camera and lighting equipment.
3.Unlike a crowd, a crew always ___ together to complete a task.
4.The rescue crew arrived quickly because the situation was ___.
5.The construction crew wore helmets and safety gear while ___ the building.
6.When you join a ship's crew, you must learn to ___ with others closely.
7.The cleaning crew finished their work ___ the office opened for employees.