Cry Definition & Meaning

cry
noun
  1. a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition; "the speaker was interrupted by loud cries from the rear of the audience"
  2. a loud utterance of emotion (especially when inarticulate); "a cry of rage"; "a yell of pain"
  3. a slogan used to rally support for a cause; "a cry to arms"; "our watchword will be `democracy'"
  4. a fit of weeping; "had a good cry"
  5. the characteristic utterance of an animal; "animal cries filled the night"
verb
  1. utter a sudden loud cry; "she cried with pain when the doctor inserted the needle"; "I yelled to her from the window but she couldn't hear me"
  2. shed tears because of sadness, rage, or pain; "She cried bitterly when she heard the news of his death"; "The girl in the wheelchair wept with frustration when she could not get up the stairs"
  3. utter aloud; often with surprise, horror, or joy; "`I won!' he exclaimed"; "`Help!' she cried"; "`I'm here,' the mother shouted when she saw her child looking lost"
  4. proclaim or announce in public; "before we had newspapers, a town crier would cry the news"; "He cried his merchandise in the market square"
  5. demand immediate action; "This situation is crying for attention"
  6. utter a characteristic sound; "The cat was crying"
  7. bring into a particular state by crying; "The little boy cried himself to sleep"

"Cry" in song lyrics

See how cry is used in real songs:

  • "Who the real Soldierz, fo-fo make you cry"
    404 Soliderz — Walk Like a Soldier *
  • "Look into my eyes, these are real tears that I cry"
    4 Deep — True Blue Brother
  • "And everytime you see ball make you wanna cry"
    504 Boyz — Life is Serious

Words that rhyme with cry

Usage tips for "cry"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "cry" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for cry to find words that pair well.

Use "cry" in a verse

Now that you know what "cry" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

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