cramp

1 of 4

noun (1)

1
: a painful involuntary spasmodic contraction of a muscle
2
: a temporary paralysis of muscles from overuse compare writer's cramp
3
a
: sharp abdominal pain
usually used in plural
b
: persistent and often intense though dull lower abdominal pain associated with dysmenorrhea
usually used in plural
crampy adjective

cramp

2 of 4

noun (2)

1
a
: a usually iron device bent at the ends and used to hold timbers or blocks of stone together
b
: clamp
2
a
: something that confines : shackle
b
: the state of being confined

cramp

3 of 4

verb

cramped; cramping; cramps

transitive verb

1
: to affect with or as if with a cramp or cramps
2
a
: confine, restrain
was cramped in the tiny apartment
b
: to restrain from free expression
used especially in the phrase cramp one's style
My mother wasn't one to do much cooking. It cramped her style.Lonnée Hamilton
3
: to fasten or hold with a cramp

intransitive verb

: to be affected with cramps

cramp

4 of 4

adjective

1
: hard to understand or figure out
cramp law terms
cramp handwriting
2
: being cramped
a cramp corner

Examples of cramp in a Sentence

Noun (1) I was suddenly awakened by a cramp in my leg Noun (2) an antismoking ordinance that was seen as just another cramp on business by bar owners Verb Writing for such a long time may cramp your hand. His leg was cramping so badly he could hardly move it. The new regulations may cramp the company's financial growth.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Symptoms include skin inflammation or hives, nasal congestion, a runny nose and sneezing, cramps, nausea and vomiting as well as shortness of breath and wheezing. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024 Zucchini may seem harmless, but a recent case study of a patient with cramps, vomitting, diarrhea, and liver damage after eating zucchini shows the dangers of cucurbitacin poisoning. Cathy Nelson, Health, 25 Nov. 2024
Verb
Wen: Typical symptoms of foodborne illness include abdominal cramping, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Katia Hetter, CNN, 27 Nov. 2024 And for holiday dinners especially, the table can be cramped with the centerpieces, napkins, plates, glasses, and an often-staggering array of silverware. Alyson Sheppard, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024
Adjective
On his first play back after a cramp, senior quarterback Stanley Anderson-Lofton connects with Mykel Calixte on a 28-yard pass for a touchdown — their second of the game. Staff Reports, Orlando Sentinel, 29 Nov. 2024 Alexander left Sunday’s game in the fifth inning with a right hamstring cramp. Warren Mayes, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cramp 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English crampe, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch crampe; akin to Old High German krampf bent

Noun (2)

Middle English crampe, from Middle Dutch

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1674, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cramp was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near cramp

Cite this Entry

“Cramp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cramp. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

cramp

1 of 2 noun
1
: a sudden painful involuntary tightening of muscle
2
: sharp pain in the abdomen
usually used in plural
crampy adjective

cramp

2 of 2 verb
1
: to affect with or as if with cramps
2
a
: to hold back from free movement : confine
felt cramped in the tiny room
b
: to hold back from free action or expression : hamper
used especially in the phrase cramp one's style

Medical Definition

cramp

1 of 2 noun
1
: a painful involuntary spasmodic contraction of a muscle
a cramp in the leg
2
: a temporary paralysis of muscles from overuse see writer's cramp
3
a
: sharp abdominal pain
usually used in plural
b
: persistent and often intense though dull lower abdominal pain associated with dysmenorrhea
usually used in plural

cramp

2 of 2 transitive verb
: to affect with or as if with a cramp or cramps
gout cramping his limbs

intransitive verb

: to suffer from cramps

More from Merriam-Webster on cramp

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!