1. plural of crank: handles used to turn or operate machinery
2. plural of crank: people with strange or eccentric ideas
Usage: informal

1. third person singular present of crank: turns or operates with a handle
2. third person singular present of crank: starts an engine by turning a handle

Examples

• The old well has two metal cranks for drawing water.
• She cranks the handle to raise the car window.
• The mechanic cranks the engine to get it started.
• He cranks up the music volume.
• The town is full of harmless cranks with unusual theories.
• My grandfather cranks his old car every morning.
• The machine cranks out hundreds of parts per hour.