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Definition of crex
crex
/krɛks/
crex
Plural:crexes
crex Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
13
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
A genus of birds within the rail family (Rallidae) that includes the corn crake, native to Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, characterized by their preference for tall meadow grasses and loud, rasping vocalizations.
Example
"The ornithologist published a detailed study on the breeding habits of the crex in the damp agricultural meadows of Eastern Europe."
2
An individual bird belonging to the genus Crex, particularly the corn crake, noted for its secretive terrestrial behavior and distinctively grating, repetitive call.
Example
"We could hear the unmistakable mechanical rasp of a crex echoing from the hayfield just after dusk."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for crex• Rhymes for crex
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Ancient Greek κρέξ (kréx), an onomatopoeic word imitating the harsh, grating call of the corn crake.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Crex. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/crex